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ATSQA Testing Essentials > Test Automation > Flashcards

Test Automation Flashcards

1
Q

Define test automation.

A

Method of testing that uses automated test scripts rather than manual test cases.

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2
Q

Define test scripts.

A

Small software programs written in a scripting or programming language; controls the inputs into a software module and verifies that results match expectations.

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3
Q

What two factors should be considered when selecting test automation candidates?

A
  • Automation must be designed for long term use
  • ROI
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4
Q

What is ROI for test automation based on?

A
  1. The amount of money/time required to build the initial software
  2. The amount of money/time to maintain it over its lifetime
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5
Q

What are the characteristics of good candidates for test automation? (Name six.)

A
  1. Expected long term usage
  2. Stable functionality and interface
  3. Need for frequent regression testing
  4. Adequate tool support
  5. Adequate skills on team
  6. Management support
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6
Q

What is considered an acceptable long term usage period for test automation? Why?

A

Target software should remain in production for 2-5 years in order to regain automation costs.

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7
Q

Describe how a stable functionality and interface relates to test automation implementation.

A

It is more cost effective to implement automation at a point where the software has stabilized. Stabilization is reached when a set of core functionality is working and not subject to substantial change.

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8
Q

How does tool support impact test automation implementation?

A

There may be situations where the right tool is not available, may need to consider creating a custom tool.

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9
Q

What skills within a team are needed to implement test automation? Why?

A

Because implementation of test automation is synonymous with a software project, true programming skills are needed to write test scripts.

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10
Q

Why is management support a factor when deciding whether to implement test automation?

A

Test automation can be expensive, so it requires management support, understanding, and approval.

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11
Q

Maintainable automation starts with __________.

A

Building an automation framework.

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12
Q

What is the value of automation framework?

A

Provides a way to identify and control all test automation test ware.

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13
Q

What are the three steps to creating an effective automation framework?

A
  1. Decide on data-driven vs keyword-driven approach.
  2. Implement the framework.
  3. Build continuously.
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14
Q

Describe the data-driven approach. What is an advantage to this approach?

A
  • separates the test script from the data to be used
  • data accessed by the script from a spreadsheet or database
  • data is maintained by a test analyst with good knowledge of the domain to be tested
  • script is managed by an automation engineer
  • separation provides a higher level of maintainability by allowing single script to conduct many tests where the only variance is data
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15
Q

Describe keyword-driven automation.

A
  • uses action words (keywords) to describe the actions to be performed by the script
  • test analyst defines the actions to be tested (e.g. add a user) and data to be used by the actions (e.g. first name, last name, address)
  • automation engineer writes a test script that reads the action and performs the appropriate steps using the provided data
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16
Q

Is data-driven or keyword-driven approach best suited for early automation? Why?

A

Keyword-driven approach. The software is still evolving, and this approach can reduce the amount of technical debt that accrues later on.

17
Q

Why is implementation of a framework essential for creating effective test automation? (i.e., what is the framework considered?)

A

The framework is a living structure where automation engineers maintain it by adding more to the function library as time allows.

18
Q

When is an automation project considered complete?

A

When the software under test is no longer changing and no changes to existing tests are needed.

19
Q

List some of the benefits of automated testing.

A
  • execute more tests in a short period of time
  • scripted tests provide reliability, repeatability, and improved consistency
  • regression testing
  • faster release cycles
  • reduces burdens on manual test efforts
  • compatibility automation
  • more time for testers to explore areas of software that have gone untested
  • testing earlier with automation results in less expensive defect detection and remediation
  • tests can be executed when people don’t need to be using them
20
Q

What are the risks of test automation implementation?

A
  • management perceives less need for manual testers; reality is that manual tester’s role is expanded
  • automation testing is NOT automatic testing
  • does not improve the effectiveness in terms of defects found (more confirmatory in nature)
  • selecting the wrong tool, resulting in extra effort
  • automation may just speed up the chaos if a good testing process is not in place
  • inaccurate reporting, failures cascading to inaccurately reflect quality of software
  • poor maintainability is expensive
21
Q

Name five test automation success factors.

A
  1. Finding the right project
  2. Build automatability into the system
  3. Show early success
  4. Review the plan
  5. Define ownership
22
Q

What is the standard and preferred approach in test automation?

A

Object-based test automation.

23
Q

How can early success in test automation be demonstrated?

A

Create interim milestones and show that milestones are being met.

24
Q

What are the three areas of automation focus (in order of priority)?

A
  1. Create acceptance/verification tests for the software build
  2. Regression tests
  3. Functionality tests
25
Q

Where do manual testers fit in with ownership of test automation?

A

Manual testers often assume responsibility of executing automated tests and manually testing any failures that occur; allows manual testers to engage with automation and frees up automation engineers from debugging.

26
Q

It is important to identify a test automation tool that meets the needs of __________.

A

Both the SUT and skills of the team.

ATSQA Testing Essentials (9 decks)

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