What common elements characterize automation testing software?

The following are the common elements that characterize automation testing software:

1. The code needs to be inserted accordingly: Everything cannot be incorporated in a codeless tool. Testers should be given a proper push by the test authors to insert code within the tests for those edge cases. There are many teams that are being looked at models such as the Test Automation Pyramid so that certain actions such as web services can be exercised instead of UI actions.

2. Steps that are reusable: There are multiple scenarios wherein certain steps exist. For example, whenever a specific application is being used by the user, they need to log in and majority of the tests are involved in it. This action needs to be recorded in each of those tests, which in turn leads to maintenance issues. If there are any changes that have been made in the login step, then every test needs to be updated by the test author.

3. Easy assertions: It is easy to record a scenario. When a specific action is taken by the user on an application, those actions are recorded by this tool. However, when the actions are validated by the user then it does not include a web action. There should be a simple and well-defined process to add assertions. Automation testing software should be conducted tactically.

4. Making modifications without redo: Test authors could not easily edit recorded scenarios through most older record and playback tools. If there is a change in the flow of the scenario and in the middle of the scenario a new action needs to be inserted then the entire scenario needs to be re-recorded. When there is a change in the application under test, there is a change in the scripts as well.

5. The value of reporting: For carrying out automation testing software activities effectively, adequate reporting is required. When hundreds or thousands of tests are being executed by testers then reporting activities play a significant role. Any failures that have been triaged should not require extensive debugging or reruns.