Rethinking Automation Testing: A New Paradigm for Collaboration
In recent years, the interface between manual testers and automation developers has largely relied on methodologies that have remained stagnant. One widely accepted notion is to hand over high-priority tests to automation developers — tests that are expected to save manual testers significant time during release cycles. However, this perspective is fundamentally flawed and can harm both the automation process and the overall quality of testing in the long run.
The Importance of a Robust Automation Framework
Automation projects should be viewed as evolving infrastructures that develop alongside the application through all its stages. To ensure long-term success, it’s crucial to focus on the most central areas of the system and construct them in an ideal manner that allows for easy reuse. This strategic approach helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the testing process.
When manual QA teams provide the automation team with batches of related test cases, the automation developers can analyze these cases to identify common components or functionalities. This allows the automation team to build a shared infrastructure that can be leveraged for multiple tests within that batch. Once this common infrastructure is established, the automation team can efficiently implement all the tests.
This method allows for several key benefits:
- Efficiency: By developing reusable components for related test cases, the automation team can save time and resources compared to implementing tests in isolation.
- Consistency: A common infrastructure promotes uniformity in how tests are automated, leading to more reliable and standardized testing practices.
- Scalability: Building reusable components from the outset ensures that the automation framework can easily adapt to future testing needs, making it easier to integrate additional test cases as they arise.
Collaboration Is Key
To achieve a successful automation process, two critical actions must be implemented:
- Manual Testers Should Provide Test Batches: Consistently passing a batch of related tests to the automation team enables them to analyze and leverage common components, leading to more effective automation.
- Automation Developers Should Focus on Communal Infrastructures: Instead of developing tests one by one, automation developers should concentrate on building shared infrastructures that can serve all tests provided by manual testers. This approach fosters a cohesive and efficient testing environment.
Conclusion
Rethinking the relationship between manual testers and automation developers is crucial for achieving an effective and efficient testing process. By embracing a collaborative mindset and prioritizing the development of a common infrastructure, organizations can overcome traditional limitations and enhance both the quality of their automation efforts and the overall effectiveness of their testing strategies