9 minutes reading
2023-08-09

The basics and benefits of test automation

An important part of software development is testing, which aims to detect and document bugs in the program. Software testing is the process of making sure that a program works as expected by the technical and user requirements. This allows for the timely correction of vulnerabilities, bugs, design flaws in the graphical user interface. Testing can be done manually or automatically. While in the former case a specialist tests the functionality manually, in the latter case a pre-written program or a dedicated automation application is used to run test cases automatically, detecting possible bugs. In this article we summarise the basics and benefits of test automation!

What is test automation?

Test automation is a software testing technique that automates the verification of program functionality. This allows functionality tests to be carried out quickly and efficiently. Test automation is usually chosen for projects where there are repetitive verification tasks and a significant number of tests need to be performed. In such cases, test scripts can save valuable man-hours that testers and developers can spend on other tasks with a higher return on investment. The use of automation has many benefits: it can increase test coverage, shorten feedback times and even lead to faster time to market.

Test automation vs manual software testing: what are the key differences?

The combination of automated and manual software testing leads to the best results for complex projects. The two testing approaches have different advantages and disadvantages.

Automated software testing is more costly and time-consuming in the short term, but it allows for more thorough testing. The need for or effectiveness of automation does not depend on the size of the project, but on the number of repetitive tasks and their algorithmic nature, and on the technology of the application under test. 

For advanced applications using certain modern technologies (e.g. web applications), automated testing is a simpler and faster solution, while for older, less advanced applications it is considered complex and time-consuming.

During manual testing a software verification process in which the verification is performed manually without the use of automated tools. The software testing professional has a deep understanding of the system under test, is able to create and verify unexpected test scenarios. The disadvantage of manual testing is that it has limited scalability without the involvement of an external resource, which test automation can address. The benefits of automation are detailed below!

What are the main benefits of test automation?
Optimal use of resources

Test automation can significantly reduce the time spent on repetitive manual checks. In truly complex projects, hundreds of tester man-hours can be saved by automating individual test tasks. The time freed up can be used to focus on other tasks with higher added value and more creativity. This can contribute significantly to improving product quality.

Fast and effective testing

Test automation allows you to work quickly and effectively. In some cases, it can shorten the feedback cycle, i.e. the time between the creation and testing of new features. This can significantly speed up the development process.

Saving time

Some software testing processes may need to be performed hundreds of times. In such cases, it is often worth automating testing instead of repetitive manual checking. Despite the significant time savings, thorough testing can still be performed that is appropriate to the development phase. The tester can modify and improve the automaton after interpreting the results. In this way, the test is always carried out on the basis of the right criteria.

Also accurate for complex test cases

No matter how experienced a professional is, human error can occur in complex testing. These small inaccuracies can later lead to significant repair costs and lost development time. Test automation always performs an accurate check that meets predefined conditions. This avoids the inconvenience of human error.

Faster throughput

Thanks to the shorter testing and feedback cycle, automated tests can detect both minor bugs and serious errors faster. Thanks to this, the product can be brought to market faster.

Early error detection

Early defect detection means that defects are detected in the early stages of a software development project. This increases the efficiency of the project.

Tests can be recycled

In many cases, the scripts can be reused with minimal changes. So developers do not need to write each and every automaton from scratch. This can further increase productivity and reduce the testing process time.

Cost reduction, higher profit

As a result of the benefits described above, test automation can significantly reduce costs and increase profits. This in turn can increase the return on investment of the development project.

Professional software testing

Since 2016, we have been supporting, testing and coordinating enterprise IT development, as well as developing enterprise-wide testing methodologies and business process automation. In this context, we implement enterprise-wide testing methodologies, develop colleagues and help select and implement the necessary testing and ticketing tools. In addition, we ensure the organisation and delivery of the necessary training and tutorials, and the preparation of documentation, thus ensuring effective change management.

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