No-code automation testing has revolutionized the way app testing is performed, making it faster, easier, and more accessible to non-technical team members. However, when it comes to regression testing, no-code automation testing can present some challenges. In this article, we will explore these challenges and the solutions to overcome them.
Challenges of No-Code Automation Testing for Regression Testing
Changes in the Application
Regression testing involves testing an application after changes have been made to it to ensure that the changes have not affected its functionality. In a dynamic environment where applications are frequently updated, this can pose a challenge for no-code automation testing tools.
The challenge is that these tools need to be updated with every change in the application. If they are not updated, they may not be able to identify any changes or issues in the application during regression testing.
Limited Control over the Testing Environment
No-code automation testing tools rely on the user interface of an application to perform tests. This means that any changes to the user interface can affect the testing process.
Moreover, the testing environment can have a significant impact on the results of the regression testing. Factors such as network speed and server load can affect the performance of the application, which can in turn affect the results of testing.
Difficulty in Scripting Complex Scenarios
No-code automation testing tools are designed to automate simple and repetitive tasks. While they can be used to automate complex scenarios, doing so can be challenging and time-consuming.
Writing scripts for complex scenarios requires a deep understanding of the application, the testing environment, and the programming language used by the tool. This can be a daunting task for non-technical team members who may not have the necessary expertise.
Communication and Collaboration
Automated testing necessitates extensive communication and collaboration between stakeholders, surpassing that requirement for manual testing. Determining which tests to automate entails a comprehensive strategy discussion with various individuals, including developers, business analysts, project managers, technical architects, and a representative group of customers.
Due to the significant investment associated with automation tools, it is crucial to establish specific test plans, scopes, and timeframes from the outset. However, establishing channels of communication and collaboration among many departments and individuals is, without question, a non-negotiable task.
Finding the right Testing Tool
Selecting an appropriate testing framework or tool is a critical aspect of the testing process, as a great automation test plan can be rendered ineffective by choosing the wrong tool. Teams must conduct thorough research on available tools and carefully evaluate third-party integrations to optimize their testing cycle.
The choice of tool or framework depends on the nature and scope of the automated testing, and teams must also consider the budget available before making a decision. Blindly following the crowd and choosing a popular commercial tool can often lead to disappointment. To make an informed decision, it is essential to define tool requirements based on the application under test (AUT) and seek feedback from experts who have used the tools.
Considering Real User Conditions in Testing
To achieve accurate testing results, it is crucial to take real user conditions into account. Emulators and simulators are limited in their ability to mimic real user conditions, making testing on them unreliable. Therefore, it is advisable to replace mobile emulators with real devices for testing.
However, testing on physical devices can be quite expensive, as it requires setting up an extensive infrastructure such as a device lab. The cost of setup and maintenance can be exorbitant, and it may not be feasible to cover a wide range of devices for testing purposes.
Solutions to Overcome These Challenges
Update Testing Tools Regularly
To overcome the challenge of changes in the application, it is important to update the no-code automation testing tools regularly. This will ensure that they are up to date with the latest changes in the application and can identify any issues or changes during regression testing.
Emulate Real-World Environments
To overcome the challenge of limited control over the testing environment, it is important to emulate real-world environments as closely as possible. This can be done by using tools such as virtual machines and simulators to create a controlled testing environment that closely resembles the production environment.
Use Hybrid Testing Approaches
To overcome the challenge of scripting complex scenarios, it is recommended to use hybrid testing approaches that combine no-code automation testing with manual testing. This can be done by using no-code automation testing tools to automate simple tasks and manual testing for more complex scenarios.
Conclusion
No-code automation testing has become an essential part of application testing, offering a faster, easier, and more accessible way to perform tests. However, when it comes to regression testing, no-code automation testing can present some challenges.
To overcome these challenges, it is important to update testing tools regularly, emulate real-world environments, and use hybrid testing approaches. By doing so, you can ensure the quality and reliability of your application and maximize the benefits of no-code automation testing.