DEV Community

alishahenderson
alishahenderson

Posted on

Automated UI Testing: Benefits, Challenges & Solution

Manual test processes that check the UI functionality are automated by specific frameworks and tools that are aligned with automated UI testing. Manual functions like validating input fields, testing the logical functionality of each button, assessing UI workflows, user navigation etc., can be automated by automated UI test tools and frameworks.

In this article, you will get to know about the benefits of implementing UI test automation along with its challenges and solutions.

What is Automated UI testing?

It is a testing method wherein software tools are used so that tests can be executed on a software application’s UI automatically. This is done to check that the functioning is being carried out properly and the defined requirements are met for usability, functionality and performance from a user’s standpoint.

The objective of automated UI testing is to make sure that the application’s visual elements such as forms, menus, buttons and other interactive components are working as expected.

Benefits of automated UI testing:

1.Leverages agile and DevOps practices: Both DevOps and agile methodologies can be properly worked out by the automated UI testing platform, which emphasizes continuous testing, development and delivery.

2.Speed and efficiency: Tests are executed at a much faster pace by the automated UI test platform. This in turn ensures that the feedback loop is reduced for developers. Quicker iterations are enabled and the overall development timeline is accelerated, thereby allowing for frequent updates and releases.

3.Improved test coverage: A wide range of scenarios are quickly and easily covered by automated tests, which include complex use cases.

Challenges in automated UI testing:

1.Selecting a random tool: There may be certain tools that have key features of UI testing, but, when it is being utilized then issues might crop up, which, may in turn impact productivity. There may be budget constraints due to which the team may go for a tool that is budget-friendly, but, may not be up to the mark.

2.Multiple errors are handled: There may be scenarios wherein complicated UI test situations may require a good amount of time in designing UI test scripts.

3.Testing web elements becomes quite complicated: The execution of the most advanced web functionalities in web applications may have different web elements. These elements could be in products or may be embedded in frames. There may be scenarios wherein large enterprise websites contain elaborate maps, diagrams, flowcharts etc. This may in turn become quite challenging for conducting UI test automation.

Following are a few key solutions that can solve the challenges arising out of automated UI testing:

1.Object repository should be leveraged: Test maintenance can be reduced by selecting the right object repository. To leverage the value of the UI test case, the UI test cases need to be minimized in the preliminary testing stages and then scale as the testing proceeds.

2.Common UI elements can be selected, so that the UI testing process is simplified: Standard UI elements should be used by developers so that testers can easily understand them.

3.Codeless test automation tools should be selected: Codeless UI automation tools should be leveraged, so that these tools can ease the script maintenance process and hence both cost and time can be saved by testers.

4.Best test automation practices should be maintained: Best code analysis methods should be maintained and followed across the company so that the best test automation systems can be embraced. Multiple UI test automation tools can be strategically used to facilitate the UI test automation process.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing automated UI testing for your specific project, then get connected with a premium software testing services company that will provide professional consultation and support on developing a crystal-clear UI test automation strategy.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.

Top comments (0)