Introduction

A Test Automation Framework provides a set of guidelines like test-data handling methods, coding standards, object repositories, processes for storing results of testing, and are used for creating or designing test cases.

The python framework helps in automating the testing process, which results in reducing the cost associated with manual testing and making the testing process quicker and more efficient. Test Automation Frameworks supports test cases by designing the scripts for testing, including methodology and create possibilities for testing iterations to make the ultimate process well structured.

Test Automation Framework

Test automation framework is a platform that provides an execution environment for test automation scripts. Each framework offers unique rules, guidelines, protocols and procedures for test creation, association and implementation.

Developers can use one or more frameworks to have multiple benefits of the test automation framework.  The developer can get benefits such as code reusability, broad test coverage, recoveries, easy reporting, reduces manual intercession, and low-cost maintenance.

There are various test automation frameworks in the market nowadays being developed and designed by the test automation communities, experts, and different individuals. Let’s discuss some of the essential test automation frameworks.

Python Test Automation Framework

As python test automation frameworks are built using python language, it brings together the modules and packages, which allows us to develop applications quickly. It enables testers to create clear test cases easily using a keyword-driven-test approach. It allows us to use individual elements from a particular framework, which means we can use specific functions using the same framework with numerous APIs.

Let us look at some of the widely used Python Frameworks in today’s collection of the test automation frameworks.

1. Robot Framework

Robot is an open-source framework developed for parallel and acceptance testing. Robot supports languages like .NET and Java. It works on multiple platforms like macOS, Linux, and Windows. It is easier to use than PyTest or PyUnit as it has rich inbuilt libraries and uses a more accessible test-oriented DSL. It works based on a keyword-driven approach.

Several tools and libraries make the framework robust and advanced. API extension can be done using the Robot framework, which makes the most simple test automation framework for testing.

Pros:

• It allows keyword-driven-test approach for creating readable test cases, and testers can use individual elements in separate projects.
• It is extensible as it uses a lot of APIs.
• It is possible to test parallelly using the selenium grid.

Cons:

• We cannot use the framework for creating if-else and nested loops. Thus it can be challenging to create a customized HTML report using robot framework.
• For complex coding, you have to customize the test code.

2. Pytest Framework

Pytest is the best suitable test automation framework for small and less complicated projects which supports the current edition of Python. Even though the package includes several sub-packages but it is now called entirely for its py.test framework.

The test suites to be written in a far more compact pattern than was possible before that makes test write-ups elegant and Pythonic. Pytest is facilitated to provide detailed information for the failures in the testing so that the developers can understand the issue faster and appropriately.

Pros:

• Pytest supports compact test suits and easy creation of test cases.
• It offers quick and easy bug fixing the development of test cases.

Cons:

• Compatibility gets compromised while we are using pytest, as it uses unique routines.
• We can write test cases conveniently, but we cannot use those test cases with any other testing frameworks.

3. Cucumber Framework

Cucumber supports Behavior Driven Document (BDD). Regardless of anyone’s technical knowledge, anybody can understand how to write test codes. Cucumber uses the Ruby programming language to write a code for testing. It allows expected behaviour of software in a simple and logical language so that customers, product owners or business analysts can easily understand. This framework runs automated acceptance tests.

Pros:

• As it focuses on the end-user experience, it is a very efficient framework.
• Cucumber allows the style of writing a test code which can be easily reused in other test cases. It involves the stakeholders who cannot read and understand code as it is effortless.
• The plugins and set-up in cucumber are easy and quick.
• Beyond Ruby, it supports other languages like Java, Groovy, and Scala etc.

Cons:

• The Communication gap between user and developer.
• It requires a short response time for the smooth experience, but sometimes it’s not possible.

4. Behave Framework

The Behave Framework uses the Behavior Driven Development (BDD) testing approach. It allows testers to write test cases in simple and easily readable language. It encourages QA teams, stakeholders and developers to collaborate with each other.

Pros:

• It is written in semi-formal language that makes it simple and consistent.
• Stakeholders and non-technical person can easily understand the output of QA teams as it was written in simple and readable language.
• Building blocks can execute any test cases.

Cons:

• The only disadvantage of Behave Framework is that it is only suitable for Black Box Testing.
• It is not suitable for white-box testing or grey box testing.

5. Jasmine Framework

Jasmine is JavaScript Unit Testing, and it uses the Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) framework testing. Jasmine is suitable for anything where JavaScript is present. Jasmine is entirely used in Ruby and Python test automation. It enables parallel execution of server-side and client-side test cases.

It is available in ready to use state, and there is no external dependency as such except the fact that it requires a test runner called Karma.

Pros:

• It supports DOM-less and asynchronous test cases as well as simple and readable syntax.
• Using the Jasmin framework, we can parallelly use server-side and client-side test cases at the same time.
• It is available in ready to use the form and no external dependencies required.

Cons:

• It concentrates more on business applications than the technical details, and as most of the JavaScript, applications use DOM (Document Object Model).
• Jasmine doesn’t support real-DOM, and it duplicates parts of DOM for testing the JavaScript.

6. Lettuce Framework

Lettuce is based on Python and Cucumber, which has been becoming very popular for Behavior Driven Development (BDD) testing. This approach makes it very simple and entertaining while testing. It mainly focuses on common tasks and makes testing simpler.

Pros:

• Lettuce provides co-operation between developers and QA teams. For black-box testing, it helps in running BDD test cases.
• Moreover, it uses simple language to describe the features of an application.

Cons:

• As a python framework, for Behavior Driven Development (BDD) testing, communication is required between QA, stakeholders and developers.
• Lack of communication or gap in communication will make the testing process ambiguous.

Conclusion

It is imperative to identify the changing digital trends as well as to adapt to these changes for continued success. Considering the functions as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each framework, you can have a more clear vision about which framework to select. Using the best automation testing framework, you can get the desired results of your testing efforts.

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