Automated testing

Definition

Automated testing refers to the use of software tools and scripts to execute tests on software applications automatically, rather than manually. This process helps ensure that applications function as expected, while also allowing for faster feedback and more efficient development cycles. By integrating automated testing into workflows, teams can maintain higher code quality, streamline release processes, and facilitate adherence to design and accessibility standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Automated testing can significantly reduce the time spent on regression testing by executing predefined test cases without manual intervention.
2. It allows for consistent test execution across various environments and configurations, helping identify platform-specific issues.
3. Automated testing supports faster deployment cycles by enabling continuous integration and deployment practices.
4. The use of automated tests helps ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines, as they can catch violations early in the development process.
5. Setting up automated testing requires an initial investment in time and resources but often leads to long-term savings and quality improvements.

Review Questions

• How does automated testing improve the efficiency of the software development process?
  • Automated testing improves efficiency by allowing tests to be executed quickly and repeatedly without manual effort. This quick turnaround provides developers with immediate feedback on code changes, enabling them to identify and fix issues early in the development cycle. Additionally, automating repetitive tests frees up team members to focus on more complex tasks, ultimately speeding up the overall development process.
• Discuss the role of automated testing in maintaining design quality assurance in software applications.
  • Automated testing plays a critical role in maintaining design quality assurance by ensuring that user interfaces function as intended across different platforms and devices. By creating tests that check UI components against design specifications, teams can catch discrepancies early on. This proactive approach helps preserve the intended user experience and minimizes costly redesigns later in the development cycle.
• Evaluate the impact of automated testing on ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines like WCAG within software development projects.
  • Automated testing significantly enhances compliance with accessibility guidelines like WCAG by enabling consistent checks for common accessibility issues throughout the development process. Automated tools can assess elements such as color contrast, text alternatives for images, and keyboard navigation. By integrating these tests into continuous integration pipelines, teams ensure that accessibility considerations are embedded from the start, fostering an inclusive user experience while reducing the risk of non-compliance at launch.

Related terms

Continuous Integration: A practice where developers frequently merge their code changes into a central repository, followed by automated builds and tests to detect issues early.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT): The phase of testing where actual users test the software to validate if it meets their requirements and expectations before it goes live.

Regression Testing: Testing existing software applications to ensure that new changes or updates do not negatively impact the current functionality.