Often others are run simply because they are in the list of scripts to be run.<\/strong><\/p>\nLet\u2019s look at a couple of different ways you can introduce automated testing into your practices.<\/p>\n
Automating Existing Tests<\/h3>\n
One concern with the \u201cautomate everything\u201d mindset is the presumption the existing manual tests were carefully crafted for specific purposes. This also suggests developers regularly test and maintain the existing test scripts. Very few scriptwriters will ask why you need these tests, nor will they ask about the differences between tests. In some cases, they may not understand what they are automating.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s likely (at least in the instances where I\u2019ve seen the \u201cautomate everything\u201d model implemented) no one will ask any of these questions for a long time after they implement automated testing.<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen looking at functional testing, many organizations use a check-the-box approach. Leadership may not say it that way, but by applying pressure to work faster on testing, that is the message they send. In response, testers will write a quick test covering a simple happy path scenario. They will not often write or execute any tests beyond the stated requirement. These are easy to automate and often ignore potential risks. When I asked testers and managers about the tests, I\u2019ve received responses focusing on main functionality and not edge cases.<\/p>\n
Automating Exploratory Tests<\/h3>\n
We rarely find odd behavior in the simple, happy path. Exercising the application with an attitude of \u201cwhat happens if this should occur\u201d uncovers unusual behavior. Experienced testers working with BAs or other business SMEs often discover scenarios to include in testing, even if they didn\u2019t consider the scenarios in the original plan.<\/p>\n
When these tests uncover problems, they can be added to the automated test suites. These cases require consideration around creating the scenario, setting the environment, and defining the sequence of events to exercise the instance that brings the greatest value.<\/strong><\/p>\nUsing exploratory, experience-based testing to exercise these \u201cwhat-if\u201d scenarios often yields great benefits by revealing paths not covered by existing test scripts. By keeping a careful record of what you did, you have the basis for writing new automated scripts if the test results warrant it.<\/p>\n
Suggestions for Strengthening Testing<\/h2>\n
Making any form of testing meaningful and valuable to the organization requires thoughtful consideration. Think about all tests \u2013 manual and automated \u2013 and what information they provide or how you can combine similar tests. Consider the intent behind the tests, and look to see if they are delivering on that intent.<\/p>\n
Review tests regularly to make sure they remain relevant, to see if newer tests provide similar information and learn if these might be better than the older ones.<\/strong> Compare any newly created test against existing tests for overlap or redundancy.<\/p>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n
Is automated software testing important? Yes, absolutely. It is invaluable to delivering software at a predictable cadence. Using the right tool for the purpose at hand is vital for you to have any level of confidence in the results.<\/strong><\/p>\nGood, automated testing frees up your technical knowledge workers to consider other possible scenarios or paths you might need to explore, so you can make sure your software always delivers for your company.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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