Automation testing consists of a Software testing technique. This technique uses a software tool to test other software, which is why it is referred to as Automation Testing instead of manual testing performed by humans.
The Automation Testing technique typically compares the obtained outcomes of test cases with the predicted outcomes (once the test data is inserted into the System Under Test) and further controls the tests' execution. Test automation supports functional and non-functional testing.
Moreover, Automation Testing can provide very detailed and insightful reports. Commonly, development cycles require the same test to be executed several times. When using a test automation tool, users can record the test suit and run it whenever required without being dependent on human interference.
However, in most cases, the aim is not to entirely discard Manual Testing; instead, the goal tends to reduce the number of tests performed manually.
Launched in 2015, Katalon is a free-licensed, cross-browser tool that enables running automation testing for APIs, Web interfaces, and mobile (Android and iOS). Additionally, this tool provides analysis reports and test recording.
Katalon is a test automation tool based on the automation frameworks of Selenium and Appium. The platform stands out for its multiple purposes and easiness of use, considering it can create and reuse UI test scripts without requiring any code. Plus, it is easy to deploy and can deploy on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
According to users' different programming skills, Katalon offers dual scripting interfaces, allowing users with no coding skills to use a more straightforward interface. For those who can code, the platform runs on Groovy (a Java scripting language) and enables scripting with syntax, debugging and further provides code suggestions.
Additionally, Katalon supports parallel and sequential executions and can perform remote and local testing.
Selenium is a popular open-source (released under the Apache License 2.0) automation testing framework. Originally developed in 2004 by Jason Hugging, Selenium remains a widely-known and used tool for testing web applications. It operates across multiple browsers and platforms (macOS, Windows, and Linux) and can write tests in various programming languages, such as Python, Java, C#, Scala, Groovy, Ruby, Perl, and PHP.
Selenium is often used for regression testing. It offers testers a playback tool that allows them to record and playback regression tests. In fact, Selenium is not a single tool but rather a suite of software that includes various tools (or components):
These tools focus on a specific development function to provide a complete web application test automation.
LambdaTest is a cloud-based automation testing tool for desktop and mobile applications. This tool allows for manual and automated cross-browser testing across more than 2000 operating systems, browsers, and devices.
LambdaTest allows testers to record real-time browser compatibility testing. Plus, it enables screen recording and automated screenshot testing on several combinations at a time.
Moreover, LambdaTest provides integration with several CI/CD tools, such as Jenkins, Circle CI, Travis CI, etc.
Ranorex is a test automation tool for web, desktop, and mobile. This tool provides numerous benefits, such as codeless test creation, recording and replaying testing phases, and reusable test scripts.
As we can observe, it is a complete and suitable tool both for beginners (since Ranorex provides a codeless interface) and for experts that, for instance, handle open APIs and have a full IDE. Additionally, Ranorex integrates tools, such as Git, Jenkins, TestRail, and Bamboo.
Ranorex's dynamic IDs provide good object identification. Plus, this tool offers a shareable object repository, which can save testers a lot of time. Another great benefit is that Ranorex offers video reporting of test execution. This feature allows testers to follow everything that happened without re-running tests.
Appium is an open-source test automation framework. This framework supports multiple programming languages (Python, Java, PHP, JavaScript, etc.) for writing tests and can integrate CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins).
Even though this framework is mainly used for mobile applications (covering both iOS and Android platforms), it can also perform automation of native and hybrid. Moreover, Appium is based on client-server architecture.
Some of the main advantages of using Appium is that it enables code reuse and cross-platform testing. Moreover, Appium Desktop provides a recording feature, allowing testers to record gestures as code.
Eggplant was developed by TestPlant to provide testers the possibility to execute different types of testing. Similar to Selenium, Eggplant is not a single tool but rather a suite of tools for automation testing, and each tool performs different types of testing.
In that sense, while on the one hand, Eggplant performance is used for performance, stress testing, and load. On the other hand, the functional testing tool is precisely focused on what the name indicates. One of the greatest features is that it allows testers to interact with the applications in the same way the end users will.
Plus, Eggplant's Digital Automation Intelligence is primarily used for application testing, as well as GUI testing. This suite tool follows an image-based approach, unlike the majority of automation testing tools, which tend to work on an object-based approach. Further, in Eggplant, it is possible to use a single script to execute testing on operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and so on.
Kobiton is a cloud-based platform that can perform both manual and automated mobile and web testing. Its AI-driven scriptless approach can automate performance, visual and UX, functional, and compatibility testing. In addition, Kobiton offers automated crash detection, which ensures comprehensive quality.
Kobiton also provides CI/CD integrations (GitHub, TeamCity, Jenkins, etc.) and supports Selenium WebDriver, Katalon Studio, and Appium. This tool stands out for its fast process of testing mobile apps; thus, being a great tool to keep up with DevOps' speed.
Additional features include the ability to capture users' interactions and screenshots, as well as the ability to record videos.
There are numerous automation testing solutions available. The right choice depends mainly on the application under test and its technology. For instance, if the focus is on automation testing for mobile applications, the most suitable option from this list would be Appium or Kobiton.
Additionally, it is also recommended to consider the features that are more valued for each software, as well as the integrations with other tools and the ability to reuse tests regarding cross-browser testing.
If navigating the complexity of automation testing tools could seem daunting, you don't have to tread these waters by yourself. Contact our dedicated team at Imaginary Cloud that is equipped to provide guidance and insights into how these tools can revolutionize your software testing strategies and contribute tremendously to your business growth.
Marketing intern with a particular interest in technology and research. In my free time, I play volleyball and spoil my dog as much as possible.
Software developer with a big curiosity about technology and how it impacts our life. Love for sports, music, and learning!
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