Understanding Automated Testing: Types, Strategies, and Examples

Software testing is a crucial component of the development lifecycle, ensuring that applications perform efficiently and correctly. With growing demands for faster software releases and improved quality, manual testing alone is no longer sufficient. 

Automated testing has become a key enabler for accelerating development, enhancing accuracy, and reducing repetitive manual efforts. By integrating automated testing, organizations can achieve better software stability, reduce costs, and improve overall user experience. 

The following article explores the definition, benefits, types, strategies, and tools associated with automated testing.

What is Automated Testing?

Automated testing replaces manual test execution with software scripts to validate functionality, performance, and security. It accelerates the testing process and ensures consistency across multiple test cycles. Automation is particularly useful for regression testing, where repeated execution of test cases is required. Unlike manual testing, automation allows test cases to be executed at scale, covering more scenarios in less time. Organizations leverage automated testing to improve efficiency, streamline development workflows, and reduce time-to-market.

Now that we understand automated testing, let's compare it with manual testing to see how they differ and where each method excels.

Automation Testing vs Manual Testing

Automation testing and manual testing have distinct roles in software development. While manual testing is necessary for exploratory and usability testing, automation excels in speed and accuracy. The following table highlights key differences between these two approaches:

With these differences in mind, let's explore the various types of automated tests and how they contribute to software quality.

What Types of Automated Tests Are There?

Automated testing includes multiple test types, each serving a unique purpose. Below are the key categories:

Automated testing includes several types, each designed to serve specific goals in the software development process:

1. Unit testing
   Verifies individual components or functions. Helps developers catch bugs early.
   Example: Testing a discount function in an e-commerce app to ensure correct price reductions.
2. ‍Integration testing
   Checks how different modules work together, including APIs and databases.
   Example: Validating that a payment gateway accurately applies taxes and processes transactions.
3. Smoke testing
   Ensures core features work after a build. Acts as a preliminary check.
   Example: Verifying login functionality right after deployment.
4. Regression testing
   Confirms that new updates don’t break existing features. Ideal for automation.
   Example: Running tests post-UI update to ensure the checkout flow remains intact.
   ‍By automating regression testing with Sahi Pro, businesses can maintain software reliability while accelerating their release cycles.

5. API testing
   Validates that APIs return the correct data and handle errors properly.
   Example: Testing a weather API to ensure accurate temperature data is returned.
6. Performance testing
   Measures system speed, stability, and resource use under load.
   Example: Simulating thousands of users on an e-commerce site during a sale.
7. UI testing
   Verifies UI functionality and consistency across devices and browsers.
   Example: Ensuring a “Sign Up” button works across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

To execute these tests effectively, different automation frameworks are used. Let's explore the common automation testing frameworks and how they support testing strategies.

Automated Testing Frameworks

Automation frameworks provide a structured approach to executing automated tests. Below are the key types:

1. Linear Framework

This framework follows a step-by-step execution approach where test scripts are written sequentially. It is easy to implement but lacks scalability.

2. Modular-Based Framework

A modular approach divides the application into smaller, independent modules. It enables reusability, making automation more efficient.

3. Data-Driven Framework

In data-driven testing, test cases run with multiple input values stored in external files. This approach enhances flexibility in test execution.

4. Keyword-Driven Framework

Keyword-driven testing defines test steps using keywords, making automation accessible for non-technical users.

5. Hybrid Framework

Hybrid frameworks combine multiple automation strategies for greater flexibility and efficiency.

Having the right framework is crucial, but what are the direct benefits of implementing automated testing? Let's examine its advantages.

Benefits of Automated Testing

Automated testing provides several advantages that enhance software quality, speed up development cycles, and improve overall efficiency. Below are five key benefits of implementing automated testing.

• Faster execution: Automation speeds up test execution, enabling faster feedback and quicker software releases. Tests can run overnight, allowing teams to focus on development during the day.
• Wider test coverage: Automated tests cover multiple platforms, configurations, and edge cases that would be too time-consuming to test manually, reducing the risk of undetected defects.
• Cost efficiency: While automation requires an initial investment, it reduces long-term costs by minimizing manual effort and allowing for repeated tests without extra costs.
• Improved accuracy: Automated tests eliminate human errors, ensuring consistent and repeatable results, which enhances software quality.
• Scalability: Automation handles large applications efficiently by executing multiple test cases in parallel across different environments.

With Sahi Pro’s Parallel & Distributed Playback, teams can run thousands of tests concurrently, reducing execution time and improving efficiency. This feature ensures faster validation of software updates across various platforms.

Now that we understand the benefits of automation, let’s explore the process of implementing it effectively.

Steps Involved in Building an Automation Testing Strategy

A well-defined approach is crucial for successfully integrating automation into your testing process. Here’s how to implement it effectively:

1. Identify Test Cases for Automation
   Automate repetitive, time-consuming, and high-risk scenarios like regression tests, cross-browser checks, and performance tests. Prioritize based on complexity and frequency for maximum impact.
2. Choose an Automation Framework
   Select the right framework (linear, data-driven, hybrid) to streamline test scripting, execution, and maintenance. A suitable framework enhances scalability and long-term maintainability.
3. Develop Automation Artifacts
   Create reusable, modular, and maintainable automation flows with best practices such as parameterization and version control. Reusable artifacts simplify automation and accommodate software changes.
4. Integrate with CI/CD Pipelines
   Incorporate tests into CI/CD pipelines to trigger automated tests with every code change. This accelerates releases and ensures consistent feedback and software quality.
5. Monitor and Update Tests
   Regularly update automation artifacts to adapt to new software features or UI changes. This helps maintain accurate tests and reliable software validation.

With a clear approach in mind, let's explore key strategies for implementing automated testing successfully.

Strategies for Automated Testing

The following strategies help teams implement automation efficiently, saving time and improving software quality.

1. Prioritize High-Risk and Repetitive Tests

Automate repetitive, time-consuming, and high-risk tests for maximum efficiency. This ensures quicker feedback and more reliable software. 

Example: Automating regression tests catches defects caused by new code changes.

2. Choose the Right Test Automation Framework

Select an appropriate test automation framework that is scalable and maintainable. This makes test creation and maintenance easier as the software evolves. 

Example: A modular framework simplifies building reusable automation artifacts.

3. Integrate with CI/CD Pipelines

Integrating automated tests with CI/CD pipelines ensures that tests are executed on every code change. This helps detect defects early in the development cycle. 

Example: Automated tests triggered by CI/CD pipelines ensure faster feedback.

4. Update Automation Artifacts Regularly

Regularly update automation test artifacts to keep them relevant with evolving software changes. This ensures the tests remain accurate and effective. 

Example: Updating tests with new features maintains testing accuracy.

5. Balance Automation with Manual Testing

Automate repetitive tasks, but continue using manual testing for complex or exploratory tests. This ensures comprehensive test coverage. 

Example: Use automated tests for performance and manual testing for UI validation.

Now that we’ve examined the strategies, let's look at specific test cases that are best suited for automation.

Test Cases of Automated Testing 

Automated testing plays a crucial role in validating software functionality, performance, and stability. Below are five essential test cases commonly automated to enhance efficiency and accuracy in software development.

1. Login Functionality Test

Verify that users can successfully log in using valid credentials and that incorrect credentials trigger appropriate error messages.

Example:

A user enters a valid email and password and clicks the "Login" button. The system should redirect the user to the dashboard. If incorrect credentials are entered, an error message should appear stating "Invalid username or password."

Steps:

1. Open the login page of the application.
2. Enter valid credentials and click "Login."
3. Verify that the user is redirected to the dashboard.
4. Enter incorrect credentials and check if an appropriate error message appears.

Expected Outcome:

Users with valid credentials should gain access, while those with incorrect credentials should receive an error message.

2. Shopping Cart Functionality Test

Ensure that users can add, remove, and update items in the shopping cart and that the total price updates accordingly.

Example:

A user adds two items to the cart, increases the quantity of one item, and removes another. The system should update the total price and reflect the correct items.

Steps:

1. Open the e-commerce website and add two products to the cart.
2. Increase the quantity of one item and remove another.
3. Verify that the cart updates the total price accurately.

Expected Outcome:

The cart should reflect all changes instantly, ensuring the correct total price and item count.

3. Payment Gateway Integration Test

Validate that the payment process works correctly and transactions are securely processed.

Example:

A user selects a product, proceeds to checkout, and enters valid credit card details. The system should process the transaction and display a confirmation message.

Steps:

1. Add an item to the cart and proceed to checkout.
2. Enter valid payment details and complete the transaction.
3. Verify that the payment is successfully processed and a confirmation email is sent.

Expected Outcome:

The payment should be processed securely, and users should receive an order confirmation.

With Sahi Pro’s Automatic Logging & Reporting, teams can track payment transactions with complete logs, helping to identify failures and ensure smooth payment processing.

4. API Response Validation Test

Check if an API returns the correct response format, status codes, and data under different conditions.

Example:

A request to an API endpoint for retrieving user details should return a status code of 200 along with accurate user data.

Steps:

1. Send a GET request to the API with a valid user ID.
2. Verify that the response status code is 200.
3. Check if the returned data matches the expected user information.

Expected Outcome:

The API should return the correct data format and response code.

5. Load Testing for a Web Application

Test Case:

Evaluate how a website performs under heavy traffic conditions.

Example:

Simulate 10,000 concurrent users accessing an online booking system to check its response time and stability.

Steps:

1. Use a load testing tool to simulate high user traffic.
2. Monitor server response times and application behavior.
3. Identify potential performance bottlenecks or failures.

Expected Outcome:

The website should handle the expected traffic without significant slowdowns or crashes.

With Sahi Pro’s Parallel & Distributed Playback, you can efficiently run multiple automated tests in parallel, ensuring reliable load testing across various environments.

To execute these test cases efficiently, various automation tools are available. let’s discuss how to choose the right automation testing tool for your needs.

How to Choose an Automation Testing Tool?

Below are five key factors to consider when choosing an automation tool.

1. Ease of Use

Choose a tool with an intuitive interface and support for both script-based and scriptless automation. Record-and-playback functionality helps beginners quickly create and execute tests.

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Ensure the tool supports testing across browsers, operating systems, and devices for consistent software performance across environments. This guarantees a seamless experience for all users.

3. Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Select a tool that integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous testing and faster feedback. Integration with version control and deployment tools boosts efficiency.

4. Scalability

The tool should handle growing test suites and work efficiently across multiple environments. Scalability ensures it remains effective as the complexity of the software increases.

With Sahi Pro’s Parallel & Distributed Playback, teams can execute automated tests simultaneously across different platforms, significantly improving execution speed.

5. Comprehensive Reporting

A robust automation tool should provide detailed test reports, including logs, screenshots, and execution summaries. 

By understanding automated testing and its tools, we can ensure a streamlined testing process that improves software quality and development efficiency.

Conclusion

Automated testing is vital for accelerating software delivery, improving test accuracy, and maintaining stability across development cycles. By leveraging automation, organizations enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality software. Choosing the right automation tool, like Sahi Pro, provides reliable execution, cross-platform support, and powerful logging features.

Start automating your testing process with Sahi Pro today to enhance accuracy, reduce manual effort, and accelerate your software release cycles. With its powerful automation features, Sahi Pro ensures seamless test execution across multiple environments, improving overall software quality and reliability. 

Achieve faster, smarter, and more reliable testing.