A framework is nothing but a set of protocols or rules that can be incorporated to leverage the benefits provided by the framework. A software testing framework provides an environment for the automation test scripts to be executed. With the use of framework, users can efficiently work with the automation test scripts, including development, execution, and reporting.

In short, a framework is a mixture of various guidelines, protocols, concept, processes, etc. that can be followed by a user while automating an application and take advantage of various positive aspects. Depending on the situation, the result could be in different forms, like scripting, modularity, scalability, maintenance, etc. These benefits could be grabbed if there are multiple test automation frameworks to be used for different software testing strategies.

However, there are situations when there is a requirement of a standard framework for test automation. This happens in a situation where there are multiple modules of an application and there are many developers who have their own idea of implementing automation. A single framework can help in avoiding any confusion arising due to multiple ideas.

Advantage of Test Automation Framework

There are various advantages of software testing automation framework, including the fact that these frameworks are application independent (technology, architecture), i.e. any application can be sued. Some of the other advantages include.

  • Code Reusability
  • Maximum Coverage
  • Scenario Recovery
  • Low maintenance cost
  • Minimal manual effort
  • Easy reporting

Different Kinds of Test Automation Framework

There are different kinds software testing methodologies and test automation framework available in the market. The wide range of framework available differs from each other on the basis of support and other key factors like, reusability, maintenance, etc.

Some of the most widely used test automation frameworks are discussed below.

  • Module based testing framework: Module based testing framework is based on the concept of abstraction one of the popular OOPS concept. Here the application is divided into a number of logical and isolated modules. An independent test script is created for each module. The modules are separated by an abstraction layer so that any change in the section doesn’t affect the module.

 

  • Library Architecture Testing Framework: This testing framework is actually built on the module based testing framework. However, this has some added benefits. Here, the application is divided into functions, rather than creating test scripts. The common functions can be used by other parts; hence, a common library is created with common functions for testing. The essence of the framework is to determine the similar steps and group them into functions, so that they can be called whenever required.

 

  • Data Driven Testing Framework: It is often required to test functionality multiple times with different set of input data. Here, instead of putting the test data in the test script, it is advised to keep the data in an external database. This will help in segregating the test script logic and test data from each other. This is exactly what test data driven framework does. The external database could be anything like XML, CSV, or ODBC repository. The data is generally kept in ‘Key-Value’ pair.

 

  • Keyword Driven Testing Framework: The keyword driven testing framework is built on the data driven testing framework, or we can say it is an extension of the same. It segregates the test data from scripts as well as certain code or keyword that is kept in an external file. These keywords are usually in the tabular form and are popularly known as a table driven framework as well.

 

  • Hybrid Testing Framework: Hybrid testing framework is a combination of more than one framework. This framework can get the advantage of all kinds of associated framework. Depending upon the situation, any of the above frameworks can be incorporated to build a hybrid framework.

 

  • Behaviour Driven Development Framework: Behaviour driven automation framework uses an easy understandable format that can be understood by analyst, developers, testers, etc. Such framework avoids the need to have knowledge of programming language by the user. There are various behaviour driven tools available, including cucumber, Jbehave, etc.

The frameworks discussed above are some of the most commonly used frameworks used in the software testing industry. However, there are several other frameworks that can be used.

360logica provides quality, robust, and cost-effective software testing framework, including Selenium automation, using avant-garde technology and tools. We are committed towards ensuring the best and driven by high delivery standards, our software testing services offer high range and cost-effective of functional testing solutions assuring rapid and consistent performance. Our extensive experience of executing software testing services quickly and efficiently with the help of a variety of licensed and open source tools and proven expertise in developing latest automation testing frameworks help clients validate the functionality of applications quickly and efficiently during pre and post.