Top 10 Benefits of Automated Testing
What is Automation Testing?
Automation testing is the process of automatization of the test cycle using appropriate tools and software. All software testing stages can be automated, from the preparation of test data to execution of tests and even analyzing test outcomes.
Automated Testing vs. Manual Testing
Automated testing has several advantages over manual testing. Automated testing is faster, more robust, and easier to scale. On the other hand, manual testing is prone to errors since humans execute it. Automated testing is cost-effective, especially in high-volume regression tests. Some tests should be automated, for example, performance testing is not suitable to be executed manually. Automated testing requires programming knowledge, whereas in manual testing, there is no need for such knowledge.
Types of Software Tests That Can Be Automated
Many types of software tests can and should be automated. Tests are mostly automated if they are repetitive and take a long time to execute. Mainly automated test types include integration, regression, smoke, and UI tests. However, it is not limited to those only. With the help of the latest technologies, you can completely automate test cycles can be completely automated, including stress tests.
Benefits of Automation Testing
1. Catching Bugs Faster
Automated testing is multiple times faster than manual testing, especially when your application has many features to test. You can get the results of an automated test suite in a concise amount of time and make sure your application works the way you want.
2. Faster Deployment
In the agile methodology, it is necessary that you have shorter deployment cycles. To deploy with confidence, your application needs frequent regression tests. With automation, you can use parallel testing for your application and substantially reduce testing time.
3. Cost and Time Efficiency
It takes less effort and time to test an application using automated testing. Even though the initial investment in Automated Testing is higher than manual testing, the return on investment is high, and it is easier to scale large volumes of tests in a test suite.
4. Continuous Quality
Once you automate the tests, no one needs to be on-site when running them. You can schedule and run your tests 24/7. Then you can analyze test results when available using screenshots and videos recorded during testing.
5. Better Insight
Automated testing allows testers to analyze reports thoroughly. You can analyze automated test logs, runtime, and pass rate information along with screenshots and videos. All this information makes sure testers know everything they need about test results.
6. Better Accuracy
As the number of test cases grows, testers tend to forget/overlook some edge cases. When using automation, QAs know which tests to run and when. So, they eliminate human error.
7. Higher Volume of Tests
Suppose you want to test an application on all the devices in the market. It is practically impossible to do so with manual testing. The number of test cases increases proportionally to the number of test devices. Automated tests can take advantage of device farms and enable you to do a quality check on hundreds of devices in a short amount of time.
8. Stress Testing
Automated testing allows you to test applications in unusual conditions using thousands of simulated users. It is impossible to mimic these behaviors with manual testing.
9. Faster Time to Market
The software industry is thriving fast, and companies try to bring new features to customers as fast as possible. Automated testing allows companies to test faster, deploy faster. You can bring new features to your customers fast and bug- free.
10. More Efficient Workflow
When bugs are found and reported in the development phase, it takes less time to fix them. It is also easier for developers to get on what is wrong when the bug is caught.
As a result, it is safe to say that test automation is a must for agile teams. Its numerous advantages make sure teams deploy faster without compromising quality. The role of automation testing is almost certainly going to be more and more crucial in the near future. In addition, test automation is an important factor for small-scale projects and non-Agile teams. Because all projects, small or large, should be tested regularly.
Enjoy testing!
