Common Myths Striving Around Testing Automation

We as humans are closely related with myths where with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, we start to assume things which we believe are in fact true. Such is the case with Automation testing.

In the age of technology where human physical efforts are being replaced by the mental ones. The process of technological usage has come under scrutiny. As it has enhanced automation.

What is Automation?

Automation is a process whereby the human manual efforts are limited by the introduction & implementation of various technological tools. As the name suggests, Automation focuses on reducing unnecessary human effort which drains them mentally and physically.

But there are various myths that are fitted into the human minds when they initially come across the process of Automation. And thus there exists common myths that strive around Automation testing. Those myths are attached to the mentality of the tester by a vendor. Such as:

§  Automation replaces Manual work: Many testers believe that Automation completely uproots the Manual process. But that’s not true. Automation can work optimally and thus provide better output. But one needs to remember that it was the Manual effort which led to Automation. So in no way can it overtake manual work. The best form of work is where both manual efforts and automated process are blended together.

 §  Automation can be done by anyone: Majority of the vendors pin point their task of convincing the end users to get the product. They make it look so easy that an individual feels that the process of Automation is peanuts. But in reality it isn't. Automation requires strategies, scripting & testing process which cannot be done by anyone.

§  Automation is simply record & Playback: It's amusing how people think that Automation is as easy as recording and playing the recorded effort. But they aren’t aware about the whole process that comes to play in order to get a desired output.

 §  Automation cannot automate every test process: Many people believe that Automation can completely control the output arena, but that’s not true, as somewhere or the other the Manual process is needed.This is as Automation cannot cover that up, no matter how advance the strategy or planning may be.

§  Automation finds more bugs: This is the one most common myth striving in the minds of people. Fed by vendors or assumption they believe that Automation finds more bugs. It’s not Automation that finds bugs, but in turn the Manual tester who designed the actual test case. It’s the test case that finds the bug not the test script.

 §  Automation is one time investment: If you believe that is going to be the case and you jump in. You shall be ready to get frustrated. Because Automation isn’t a one time investment. It isn’t a onetime investment, but it requires timely maintenance to keep it fine. One has to bear the cost which pertains to its quality code.

 §  Automation doesn't need planning: Any process without a proper plan is doomed to be a failure. Automation requires the same. Proper planning with appropriate strategies and selection of tools is essential to keep the ball rolling. If not, the result an individual is expected to get is terrible.

 Conclusion:

Automation undoubtedly is one of the most amazing creations through manual effort. But it cannot over run the Manual work and neither can replace it. Both need to work hand in hand to derive amazing results. Automation isn’t as easy as it seems but once known about is not that hard either.

Proper execution is essential which initially starts off with the rightful selection of tools. If put to effective use it can do a lot of wonders, if not, then you are left to blame yourself. Thus, people need to get over these aforementioned myths that are striving around automated testing and use these myths as an advantage.