Automation testing can help you deploy the software but before that it is necessary to overcome common challenges in automation testing. Below we will highlight some of those challenges.
1. Choosing the right framework:
Truth be told, numerous open-source and paid tools are available for software testing. However, if you choose the wrong one, the results might deviate, and you will never be able to gauge whether the software is reliable. So, choosing the framework is one of your first challenges in automation testing. To overcome it, choose one which offers:
· Ease of use
· Scalable solution
· Third-party integration
· Consistent maintenance of test conditions
2. Test Prioritization:
The list of tests conducted during automation testing is pretty huge. With shorter release cycles, it is not possible for most developers to conduct all those tests. So, they need to opt for regression testing, which involves test case prioritization. While these include most of the changes and updates made to the code but still due to prioritization, the entire testing (list wise) doesn't take place. This is another challenge which developers need to overcome in automation testing.
3. Replicating real user conditions:
The necessity to replicate real user conditions is another obstacle developers must overcome. You can get reliable test results only when ideal user conditions are replicated. In the absence of these conditions, you cannot rely on the results or software updates. However, there are numerous cloud-based solutions available at disposal which allow you to do so, like WeTest.
4. Right skillset:
As highlighted above, there are numerous testing frameworks available. However, the professionals who use these frameworks play an important role. Only with the right skills can the frameworks be utilized so that the software is tested for every feature.
With the demand for testers increasing day by day, it is becoming really difficult to find people with the right skill set to use the framework to test the software at fullest.
5. Initial investment:
Implementation of automation is not easy. It involves various phases like:
· Analysis
· Design
· Creation of an automation framework
· Testing
The more functions the software can accomplish, the higher the cost of testing will be at each of those stages. Many times, companies might have to pay licensing costs in addition to operational costs. When you add these, the initial investment needed for automation increases exponentially, leading to low ROI. Thus, the high capital requirement is one of major challenges in automation testing that testers or developers might face.
6. Automation expectations:
Many people believe that automation testing involves a lot of problems. However, that is not true.
The main aim of software automation testing is to detect bugs and inform the developers regarding the same. Testers often face unrealistic expectations from the higher management when it comes to automation testing and due to the same, they often make erroneous decisions leading to improper testing.
While automation testing is a necessity, the desired and accurate results can be derived from automation testing only when these challenges in automation testing are tackled.