Automation testing is a powerful way to improve the quality of your code and find bugs before they turn into production problems. However, not all tools are created equal. There are many factors you need to consider when deciding which automation testing tool will work best for your project, and it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve created this guide — so that you’ll know exactly what you need to look for in an automation testing tool, whether you’re just getting started or looking at options for an existing project.
Here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when choosing an automation testing tool.
Table of Contents
Which programming languages does it support?
One of the most common reasons that people choose one tool over another is based on which language it supports. The most popular and well-used languages to build software are PHP, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, .NET, and Java.
If you’re primarily targeting mobile, then Python is a great choice. You’ll need to take security seriously if you want to test your mobile apps in a web browser, so you’ll also want a Python framework like Titanium or Pylint.
If you’re targeting general-purpose web applications, then you can choose Java, JavaScript, or C#. For these languages, and Python, TestProject is a free automation platform that works with both .NET and Java projects.
What types of test cases does the tool support?
Any testing tool worth its salt should have a wide variety of test cases available. Your test cases are the backbone of any automation testing tool. Without test cases, you’re left with the uncertainty that the programmers had about how their code would behave, which makes them difficult to test and less reliable.
In addition to test cases, you’ll want to consider the runtime environment. Some test tools like to automate in a specific platform — for example, C/C++ or Java — but many automation tools don’t.
The environment should be able to run on as many platforms as you want, and you should be able to create test instances of the tool that have the same parameters across all the supported platforms.
Can I see examples of tests on the website?
There are many tools out there that offer free trial versions. Many companies use these free trials to decide which tool to go with. Of course, we all know that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but free trials can help you see whether the tool is really worth it.
You should be able to see, at a glance, what tests are run, and how they’re run. You’ll want to see results from actual users so that you can determine whether the tool is doing its job.
What is the reputation of the company that makes it?
Ask around on forums and online communities and see what people are saying about the company and its products.
You want to ensure that the company provides support for its tools and platforms. You should also look at its user experience, especially if you plan to target a mobile or web platform.
Does this software integrate with other tools I’m already using?
This is one of the most important considerations in the process. You likely already have an existing CI/CD workflow, for example, and you want to be sure that the automation testing tool you choose will seamlessly integrate with that system.
This integration doesn’t just mean that the tool can process your application in the background while you continue to work on it. It means that the tool should give you the ability to create, change, and easily deploy your test cases. You’ll also want to find a solution that can integrate with the services you already have.
The RESTful API is especially useful for integrating into a number of existing services, so you should check to see if the framework you’re considering offers that functionality.
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