How to Implement Efficient Test Automation in the Agile World?

First thing first, a brief overview of the Agile methodology. It is a process that builds up repeated iteration of development and testing in a shorter span of time that guarantees quality production. In Agile methodology, development and testing are carried out in iteration with recurring key points that assure the product is satisfactory to the client’s requirement.
 
Over the years, there has been a boom in the count of software companies that endorse the Agile methodology, not only for development but also for testing. The logic behind that is the higher returns and a shortened time you pay to market.

Here are 5 benefits of software testing done in Agile surroundings that you would like to know:

1. Initial detection of bugs:

About half of the bugs can be found during requirements phase and another one third in the designing phase. Most importantly, the cost of fixing these bugs increases with time. Agile testing reduces that cost and time spent on bug-fixing.

2. Smoothly shape up to changes:

With Agile mechanism, it is possible to instantly respond to modifications as per the client’s requirements or in client’s expectations pushed by an uncertain business scenario. In the end, the task is done in small increments over a short span of time. It can soak up changes and assure the functionality developed is suited to what the customer needs at a given point of time.

3. High-quality deliverable:

Testing often fails to be 100 percent due to the shortness of time. In agile testing, bugs are found in a very less time compared with traditional testing procedures.

4. Easy to manage:

Agile teams are limited in size mostly and are therefore easy to regulate. A small team implies minor resourcing challenges. Small teams working on small iterations make it smooth to plan the work, set factual deadlines, audit risks and measure return on investment.

5. Reduce risks:

Developing software in increments makes it possible to launch a beta version to get a sense of the market contrary to releasing in high density. Customer’s feedback can help in adding profitable features in successive iterations, which can help in the development of a wholesome product.

Why automation is required in Agile testing?

Daily build deployments are called for in Agile which can be certified using automation tools and a suitable automation approach.
 
Due to the rapid development of modules, we need to test each module in short time durations. So, at that time, the need for automation arises. Secondly, before releasing the final build, test automation helps accelerate Regression test efforts in a cost-effective manner rather than manually testing the same scenarios again and again.

How can test automation be effectively implemented in Agile methodology?

Followings are the effective techniques used:

1. Depending on the scenario of frameworks to be used

a) Data-Driven Framework:

A data-driven testing framework is used to differentiate the test script logic and the test data from each other. The test data are stored independently in external databases such as XML files, Excel files, CSV files, etc. Whenever there is a scenario in which a distinct functionality is to be tested for a different set of data, a data-driven framework helps a lot.

b)Keyword-Driven Framework

This is an extension of a data-driven framework in which, beyond the test data, a certain set of code is also put independently into an external data file and the specific keywords are used to perform precise actions on the application.

c) Modular-Based Framework

This framework breaks the entire tests into a number of logical and secluded modules. For a specific module, we have a separate and independent test case. The combo of these test cases represents a test for a larger module.

d) Hybrid Framework

A hybrid framework is a combination of more than one of the above-mentioned frameworks. It leverages the benefits of all the frameworks.
 
So, which framework should you choose? Well, it depends on the project requirements. However, some necessary things to keep in mind before selecting a particular framework are that the framework should be clear and understandable. It should also require less care and should be expandable.

2. Feedback from the team

Repeated feedback is always helpful in everything. The same goes for automation, It is highly praised that the person who is working on the automation should come up with extra features that can also be targeted to automate. Apart from the features, team members can also come up with different approaches to automate different scenarios. the feedback is very valuable.

3. Sprint Targets are the most important

It is very important to keep in mind the Sprint targets, as those should not be influenced by the efforts that are put in automation. The Sprint objective comes first, and then the automation. Although the person has to bear some pain during the initial Sprints for the implementation of automation. But, they ultimately make life simpler for the person and help the whole team to achieve Sprint targets more pleasantly.
 
These are some of the checkpoints that can surely help developers achieve automation in a much more prepared and efficient way. It also helps the team in obtaining its goals with greater quality at an even flashing speed.