Perfect Automation testing framework or tool?

Chamila Ambahera
3 min readMay 3, 2024

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Imagine you’re working on different projects, some web-based, others mobile apps, and maybe a few desktop applications.

You wouldn’t want to switch testing tools for each project, right?

Not everyone speaks the same language, right?

Similarly, not every tester prefers the same programming language.

So do we have a solution like this? I don’t think. If you know such a tool or framework then you can add a comment below.

This article aims to provide basic requirements or guidelines if someone wants to build a perfect automation solution.

Let’s dig into the basic requirements we expect as Quality Assurance Engineers.

  1. Cross-Platform Compatibility: It’s like having one tool that can handle testing on various platforms — whether it’s a website you’re testing on a browser, an app on your phone, or software on your computer.
  2. Multiple Language Support: In the current automation tool landscape, some might be comfortable with Java, others with Python, and so on. So, a testing tool that supports multiple languages is like being multilingual — it can communicate with testers using different programming languages.
  3. Ease of Use: You know how some apps or gadgets are so complicated to set up or use that you end up frustrated? Well, a testing tool should be the opposite — it should be a breeze to set up and understand. A user-friendly testing tool means less time spent scratching your head and more time getting stuff done.
  4. Flexibility and Extensibility: Picture this: your project has some unique requirements that the standard testing tool doesn’t cover. What do you do? That’s where flexibility and extensibility come in. It’s like having a toolbelt with extra attachments — you can customize it to handle any job, no matter how unique.
  5. Comprehensive Test Reporting: Think of it as having a really detailed report card for your tests. You want to know not just if the tests passed or failed, but also why they failed and what went wrong. A good test report should be like a detective’s notebook — full of clues and insights to help you crack the case of the failing test.
  6. Parallel Execution: Imagine you have a hundred tests to run, and they each take a few minutes. Running them one after the other would take forever, right? That’s where parallel execution comes in. It’s like having multiple clones of yourself, each running a different test simultaneously. It gets the job done in a fraction of the time.
  7. Integration with Continuous Integration (CI) Tools: Just like you need all your tools to work together smoothly in a well-organized workshop, your testing tool should seamlessly integrate with your continuous integration setup. It’s like having gears that mesh perfectly, keeping the whole machine running smoothly without any hiccups.
  8. Community Support and Documentation: Have you ever been stuck on a problem and wished there was someone you could ask for help? That’s where a vibrant community and comprehensive documentation come in handy. It’s like having a group of friends who’ve been through the same struggles and are eager to lend a hand, along with a detailed guidebook to navigate through any tricky situation.
  9. Robust Test Debugging and Logging: Tests can be like puzzles — sometimes they fail, and you’re left scratching your head trying to figure out why. That’s where robust debugging and logging come into play. It’s like having breadcrumbs to follow — a trail of clues that lead you straight to the source of the problem.
  10. Ready-made code samples: Whether you are doing a POC for a new product idea or implementing an automation solution on an existing project it’s useful to have some sample codes or maybe a mock app to help you try out the framework or tool before you finalize it. Common samples can be ticket reservation systems, CRM, HRM etc.
  11. Cost and Licensing: Just like you wouldn’t buy a fancy tool that blows your entire budget, you want to consider the cost and licensing terms of your testing tool. Whether it’s an open-source tool that’s free to use or a commercial one with a price tag, you want to make sure it fits within your budget and offers good value for money.

By considering these factors, if you start developing a commercial or open-source test automation framework/tool then, that will be the perfect automation solution as per my thoughts.

Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Chamila Ambahera
Chamila Ambahera

Written by Chamila Ambahera

Principle Automation Engineer | Arctic Code Vault Contributor | Trained Over 500 engineers

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