Scriptless Automation Testing

As the world of software development continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, quality assurance and testing play a pivotal role in delivering robust and bug-free applications. Traditional testing methods often relied on writing complex scripts, which could be time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to maintain. However, a revolutionary approach called “Scriptless Testing” has emerged, offering a new way to enhance software automation. In this blog, will explore the concept of scriptless testing.

What is Scriptless Testing?

Scriptless testing is a modern software testing technique that allows testers and quality assurance professionals to design, create, and execute test cases without writing traditional test scripts manually. Instead of relying on coding skills, scriptless testing tools employ visual interfaces, drag-and-drop functionalities, and natural language processing to build test cases. This enables non-technical team members to actively participate in the testing process, fostering collaboration and streamlining the entire QA cycle.

Benefits of Scriptless Testing:

· Accelerated Test Case Creation: By eliminating the need for writing complex code, scriptless testing expedites the process of creating test cases. Testers can leverage pre-built test components and reusable modules to assemble test scenarios quickly and efficiently.

· Enhanced Collaboration: Scriptless testing empowers domain experts, business analysts, and testers with diverse skill sets to contribute to the testing process. The use of a visual interface makes it easier to communicate and align requirements, leading to better collaboration between different teams.

· Reduced Maintenance Overhead: Traditional test scripts require continuous maintenance, especially when applications undergo changes or updates. Scriptless testing minimizes maintenance efforts by abstracting the technical details and automatically adapting to changes within the application under test.

· Improved Test Coverage: The simplicity of scriptless testing encourages testers to design comprehensive test cases, resulting in increased test coverage. It allows for better exploration of edge cases and scenarios, ensuring a higher level of confidence in the application’s reliability.

· Quick Onboarding of Testers: Scriptless testing tools simplify the onboarding process for new testers. Even those without a strong programming background can quickly get up to speed and start contributing to the testing efforts.

· Enhanced Reusability: Test automation frameworks often struggle with reusability. Scriptless testing promotes the use of reusable components and test assets, making it easier to create new test cases from existing ones.

High-level architectural components of the scriptless automation framework:

There are 3 main components

1. Test input interface

2. Framework core Engine

3. Test output interface

Test input interface:

This is the front end component and where we provide test inputs: test case steps, test conditions, test data, expected data etc. When designing the framework main focus should be to simplicity. Then only user will be able to adapt quickly and start using framework with less effort. The interface to the core engine is the interpreter which typically follows some protocol to exchange information on test inputs.

Test inputs can be provide in many ways: Files — excel, XML etc., GUI based, visual editor based — form of flow charts(supporting basic logic such as conditions and loops).

Framework core Engine:

This is the core component of the framework which does all jobs od automation logic, validations, interfaces to the rest of the components of the architecture, and third-party apps/scripts for customized test configuration and executions. All the test input actions are forwarded to the action handler. And it’ll process the actions on the application under test.

Test output interface:

This component is responsible for the outputting of test result, logs, defect logging, reports and dashboards. The core engine is forwards the result to the output logger which is then rendered by the output interface.

Tools for scriptless automation:

ACCELQ

ACCELQ is the single cloud-based scriptless test automation tool that automates API and web testing without a single line of code.

Features:

· In-run automation with numerous deliberation layers. A force of self-mending with a runtime logical motor for strong automation.

· No seller lock, extendible structure open-source adjusted.

· Inherent test the board and arranging abilities.

· Consistent CI/CD and Jira/ALM incorporation with common recognizability.

· Visual application demonstrating plan and lifecycle automation.

· Codeless API and UI automation in a similar stream.

· Computerized experiment age and information arranging.

· Easy to utilize, AI-driven test automation stage.

Selenium IDE

Selenium IDE is a Scriptless Test Automation tool that operates as an open-source solution. Its functionality relies on a record and playback mechanism, and it can be used as an extension for Chrome or Firefox browsers. Selenium IDE facilitates cross-browser execution by utilizing the Command-line Runner. When interacting with elements, it allows recording multiple locators for each one. The experiments created in Selenium IDE are reusable, providing flexibility and efficiency in test development.

Features:

· Control stream construction, Ex: if, while

· Tool is expandable through modules

· Allows to make a test suite

· Permit to alter test content

ZapTest

ZapTest serves as an Enterprise Solution designed to enhance your test automation process by minimizing scripting efforts, automating documentation, and enabling parallel test execution. With ZapTest, you can effortlessly execute scripts across multiple test environments simultaneously. The tool simplifies your test automation tasks through the use of video scenarios and textual references, streamlining the overall process.

Features:

• This platform generates a script that can use on a computer, phone, or tablet.
• Can use VBScript and JavaScript.
• Automatically creates the test documentation.
• Can utilize for UI and API test automation
• Write Test scripts for live apps, mockups, video scenarios, and textual references.

Above are very few tools which can be used to do scriptless automation. But there are more tools like testim, Katalon studio, perfecto, Ranorex studio etc.

Challenges and Mitigations:

While scriptless testing offers numerous advantages, it is essential to be aware of some potential challenges and how to address them:

· Limited Customization: Some scriptless testing tools may offer limited customization compared to traditional script-based approaches. Selecting the right tool that meets specific project requirements is crucial.

· Learning Curve: Testers and teams transitioning from traditional scripting to scriptless testing may experience a learning curve initially. Proper training and support can help overcome this challenge.

· Tool Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility with various target platforms, devices, and browsers is essential to maintain comprehensive test coverage.

Conclusion:

Scriptless testing has emerged as a game-changer in software automation, democratizing the testing process and promoting efficient collaboration among team members with varying skill sets. By embracing scriptless testing, organizations can accelerate test case creation, enhance test coverage, and reduce maintenance overhead. Though it comes with its unique challenges, the benefits it offers far outweigh the initial obstacles. As technology continues to advance, scriptless testing is expected to play a significant role in ensuring high-quality software products in a time-efficient manner. Embracing this innovative approach will undoubtedly elevate software testing to new heights of efficiency and reliability.

References:

· https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/scriptless-test-automation-framework-tools/

· https://www.testgrid.io/blog/scriptless-test-automation/

· https://cloudqa.io/scriptless-testing/

· https://www.lambdatest.com/blog/codeless-testing-tools/

About Author:

Discover the voice behind these articles, Thathsarani Samaranayaka. Currently serving as an tester at 99x, Thathsarani boasts over 5 years of dedicated experience in the QA sector.