Test Automation - Overview

As we all know, testing can be done in 2 different ways.

Manual Testing
Automated Testing

A test case that can be executed manually can also be automated. But, before we plan to invest time & money in automation, we need to consider if the time spent in automating a test case will actually save us time & money (This is called ROI - "Return on Investment" in business lingo).

Manual testing has some drawbacks

1. Time consuming.
2. Number of resources required to execute test cases is more when compared to automated testing
3. There is always a chance of human error (oversight)

To overcome these facts, automated testing can be used. Some of the advantages of automated testing are:

1. Fast
2. Reliable
3. Reusable
4. Repeatable
5. Programmable
6. Comprehensive

Before a decision is taken, whether or not to go for automation. Some factors need to be considered.

Automation is costly. 

• Cost will be incurred to procure the licence of automation tool
• Train the resources

Automation should not be done for applications:

1. Not stable
2. Where the requirements are changing  frequently
3. Which are developed using agile methodology

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