Codeless Automation Testing: Solution for Faster Release
Effective yet time-consuming manual QA and code-based automated testing services have always brought the highest product quality possible. But such approach doesn`t fit fast and ever-changing IT market. Transforming QA testing by a combination of manual and codeless automation technologies seems to be a promising way out. Let`s figure out why 🙂
How does codeless testing work?
Learning programming language to master code writing takes time, patience, and efforts. That`s why automation testers would feel like walking on no man`s land, being a bit of both: a programmer and a QA engineer.
Although modern tester builds up a deep understanding of various technologies, often coding distracts QA specialists from their primary function. Therefore, the “codeless future” has become a background to rethink the prior function of QA engineers.
To make it clear, one shouldn`t take the notion of “codeless testing” too literally. The term itself refers to the approach of test case automation with no or a minimum amount of code.
However, scriptless testing tools create an abstraction layer on the top of the test code. That means the test scripts still rely on some program pieces to test a scenario. There is no need to do hard coding to create or modify these test scripts, though.
The “record-and-play” principle has been the most popular for web-based product testing. QA engineer performs a test manually and uses the tool to record it step by step. The tool then automates the test creating the scripts. In such a way, QA engineers repeat the same tests on other products and make the whole process time-consuming.
Testers can also edit the recorded scripts and adapt QA strategy to the product requirements. Using most of the automation tools doesn`t require extensive training, they usually come with the profound end-user guide. And this is what transforms the code-based testing world to codeless.
Benefits of Codeless Test Automation
While the process is not entirely code-free, there are some obvious and not so reasons why you should consider implementing codeless testing into the QA process.
It’s Easy
The team spends less effort for automation. Codeless testing tools increase test coverage and, therefore, improve the level of software QA. Using such tools, QA engineers create and regulate even complex test scripts; they are easy to maintain and modify.
It’s Time-Consuming
As no coding exposure is required, the testers automate a test scenario quickly. It enables focusing on quality assurance and software debugging instead of managing the heavy code first.
It’s Cost-Effective
You don’t need to hire additional specialists to contribute to the process with codeless automation tools. However, keep in mind: being free to use, open source tools require heavy investments in technical expert support, test running, and maintenance.
It Has a Friendly Interface
An intuitive GUI simplifies and facilitates the whole process of testing. That is why working with codeless automation tools is an easy-to-acquire skill for QA specialists.
Codeless UI Testing
The method of codeless testing has become especially effective in running GUI tests. In this case, QA engineers record and automate user-like behavior. Test cases can be automated as soon as developers finish UI.
If automation is designed for visual workflow, the code is hidden, and testers don`t have to go through complex frameworks. Besides, there`s no need for developers to create UI tests if GUI testing is performed via codeless testing tools.
Modern automation platforms are flexible with multiple desktop and web applications. It means the automated tests check the way product runs across a variety of devices.
Codeless Automation Testing Tools & Platforms
CloudQA
Easy tool for managing tests with a convenient visual editor. While QA engineer clicks and interacts with the software, the program records the tests and captures all the actions during site navigation. It also enables to easily switch between browsers and environments.
TestingWhiz
This tool fits for web, mobile, cloud, and API testing. It also works on “record-and-play” principle and easily integrates with other bug-tracking tools.
Katalon Studio
This one is good at generating tests automatically. It records tester`s actions on web or app and creates the needed scripts. Katalon Studio supports web, Android, iOS and integrates with JIRA, Git, and Jenkins.
Ranorex
This is a toolset for desktop, mobile, or web app end-to-end testing. Using Ranorex, QA engineers automate tests on Windows and then easily execute them on Android or iOS mobile devices. Besides, the tool helps run cross-browser tests for Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, etc.
Selenium IDE
One of the most convenient among record and playback automation tools. With the help of run command, testers reuse a test case inside of another. The tool can be extended through plugins. They introduce new commands to IDE or integrate with other services.
Sahi Pro
This codeless record-playback tool generates keyword and data-driven tests. It is simple to use across multiple browsers (Opera, Firefox, Explorer, Chrome) without advanced code writing. Sahi Pro supports test automation of Windows desktop applications (Java, Win 32, WPF) as well as mobile apps IOS, Android, Native and Hybrid apps.
Companies engaged in software development face the pressure of high competition and fast-growing innovative solutions. The battle for users` interest and loyalty make the competitors shorten release cycles, quickly implement new features, and catch market trends to swiftly upgrade the product.
Following the traditional path of manual QA expertise and adding codeless tools to automate repetitive tasks might be a solution to accelerate the whole development process.
You also could be interested in reading the following:
5 Myths About Test Automation
Test Automation with Selenium and Cucumber
Manual vs. Automated Testing: The Eternal Debate is Over
Automated Testing Goals & Objectives
Misconceptions of the Automated Testing Debunked
4 Reasons to Say “Yes” to Automated Testing
Selenium Automation Testing. Best Practices
Why Is Automated Testing Important?
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