Automated Testing is a method of finding bugs in software where testers run a script such as Appium to automatically test every aspect of the software, trying to discover any unintended issues to prevent actual users from experiencing those issues after the software is launched. This method compares the expected outcome of a test to the actual outcome to reach a conclusion. Test automation can automate some repetitive but necessary tasks in a formalized testing process already in place, or perform additional testing that would be difficult to do manually. It is one of the most common methods of testing in a tester’s arsenal.
- There are two main types of automation tests:
- Graphical User Interface Testing: A testing framework that generates user interface events such as keystrokes and mouse clicks, and observes the changes that result in the user interface, to validate that the observable behavior of the program is correct. The conclusions drawn by this type of automation test is typically the same as that of a manual test, but is conducted more quickly and efficiently through this method.
- API Driven Testing: A testing framework that uses a programming interface to the application to validate the behavior under test. Typically API driven testing bypasses application user interface altogether. It can also be testing public (usually) interfaces to classes, modules or libraries are tested with a variety of input arguments to validate that the results that are returned are correct.
- Difficulties in Automation Testing: Just like a manual test, in order to perform an automation test on an application, a tester must first possess a device to access the app on. This is easy to do with just one device, but there are 519 million possible device-operating system combinations. Just think of all the common smart phone brands and how many iterations there are in the market. iPhones, Samsung devices, Oppo devices, Huawei, and hundreds of others. In order for an application to be truly optimized for every user, testers need to carry out manual tests on as many of these different devices as possible, but this is often difficult due to intrinsic limitations. Nobody can own every device.
- Solutions for Automation Testing: Cloud Testing makes it possible to access hundreds of devices of all types and operating systems to test on without needing to buy or physically possess the devices. From a web browser or desktop app such as CaIoT, companies may simply select whichever devices they need to test their app or website on and control.
- Benefits of CaIoT in Automation Testing: CaIoT makes it easier than ever to conduct automation tests over the cloud, with a simplified UI and a set of all the ever-expanding features a tester could desire. Unlike other cloud testing platforms which could have testers waiting over an hour to access the devices they need, CaIoT’s waiting time is comparatively lower, saving time when it matters most.