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Improving Test Automation Using Algorithms

Introduction

Abdul and Sajna (2015), recognize that an algorithm is a formula or a procedure applied

for problem-solving on the basis of the conduction of a series of actions that are specified. A

program in a computer can be viewed as an algorithm which is elaborate. In both computer

science and mathematics, an algorithm means a minute procedure that solves a problem that

recurs. In all areas of IT, algorithms are used widely. Test automation or automated testing is a

method applied in software testing that uses software tools that are special to have control in tests

execution as it compares results of actual tests with expected or predicted results.

There are various ways of improving test automation. One of the methods applied to

improve this automation of tests is first by deciding what to automate. In this step, it is very

helpful to improve the automation tests as identifying what requires automation helps you to

consider several factors such as hardware independencies, application under test, potential

impacts among others. Unlike conducting the test without identifying what requires automation,

it is more efficient as it also saves time for further identification during the process (Abdul and

Sajna, 2015). Another method is by making use of the right tools for testing. This is one of the

challenges faced by users of this formula not only in small organizations but also in large

organizations. Many people understand that automation is simply testing automated user

interface such as testing web pages using Selenium Web driver.

According to Ambler (2014), application Program Interface (API), there should be a

consideration of making use of automated test tools to have the API request submitted and

verification of data accomplished through them. Another method is by encouraging developers

to consider making elements that are identifiable uniquely. In many cases, most developers have

interfaces built with the provision of only controls defaults names and elements instead of
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specifying identifiers uniquely. It is also of important for the developers to have automated tests

written only for mature code. If an automated test is started early, the test code is constantly

changed to have matched changes in the code application.

According to Addison (2016), as the agile development process nature invites both

change requests and input often and early in the process of a feature development, the feature’s

interface and workflow changes while active development continues taking place. Writing the

automated test code after the maturity of the feature is complete and stabilized, reduces the time

spend to have the test code rewritten. Other methods of improving test automation using

algorithms is by ensuring that the code made is as modular as possible by considering options

that are discrete by requesting your write functions and tests or methods to have those actions

encapsulated.

Lars-Ola, (2015), recognizes that also, the improvement through algorithms can be

achieved by having your log writing and data handling separated from interface interaction.

While the code modular is made, the code that manipulates or reads test data including the code

that writes to log files should be separated. This ensures that the readings of the actual interface

code are easily done when the time comes for having the test code updated specifically when

applications of data require changes. Other methods applied to have test automation using

algorithms improved is by having your tasks divided and prioritized, developing tests that do not

interfere with the UI changes, having quality test data utilized, avoiding the automation of every

tests and having well standardized frameworks, test tools and techniques. Also, it is very

important to have tests reviewed periodically as this review helps the users to find out if their

applications are effective or not (Ambler, 2014).

Conclusion
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An algorithm is a formula or a procedure applied for problem-solving on the basis of the

conduction of a series of actions that are specified. Test automation or automated testing is a

method applied in software testing that uses software tools that are special to have control in tests

execution as it compares results of actual tests with expected or predicted results. One of the

methods applied to improve this automation of tests is first by deciding what to automate.

Another method is by encouraging developers to consider making elements that are identified

uniquely as in many cases, most developers have interfaces built with the provision of only

controls defaults names and elements instead of specifying identifiers uniquely. Other methods

applied to have test automation using algorithms improved is by having your tasks divided and

prioritized, developing tests that do not interfere with the UI changes, having quality test data

utilized, avoiding the automation of every test and having well-standardized frameworks, test

tools, and techniques.

References
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Abdul R. Sajna (2015).PV. Effective testing: A customized hand book for testing professionals

and students, IJSER Volume3, Issue5.

Addison-W; (2016).IBM Rational build forge V 7.13 – Information Center doc; 2013.

Ambler S.W. (2014). Introduction to Test Driven Development;.

http://www.agiledata.org/essays/tdd.html.

Brian. R. (2017) SQS Software Quality Systems AG. Software test automation, White paper;

Lars-Ola, D. (2015). Evaluating and Improving Test Efficiency, Master Thesis, Software

Engineering, Thesis.