Do you know testing frameworks are an essential component in every automated testing process? 

The testing frameworks reduce maintenance costs to a large scale and also provide extra effort. 

It ensures an increased return on investment (ROI) for teams that are working on optimizing their testing processes. 

In this article, we will go through various kinds of testing frameworks and understand them in detail, which can help you learn about the pros and cons of different testing frameworks.

Along with covering the pros and cons of different testing frameworks, we will also provide an overview of the necessary steps for creating an effective automated testing process. 

What is a Testing Framework? 

A testing framework is a combination of tools and processes supporting automated testing in every application. It culminates in various features like test data, libraries, and other reusable modules. 

These testing frameworks are a collection of practices and tools specialized in supporting QA teams to manage their testing processes and integrations. 

It integrates guidelines emphasizing object repositories, coding standards, and other additional information related to test data usage methods. It works by using external resources for testing processes. 

Let’s learn about different types of testing frameworks for a proper understanding of test automation frameworks. 

Data-Driven Testing Framework

Many testers are indulged in multiple tests using similar features of an application with different test data. 

Some datasets like Excel/CSV, Oracle SQL, and Testsigma allow data-driven testing (DDT), in which data is saved in external sources like spreadsheets and databases. 

Mostly, testers are using a data-driven framework for differentiating script logic from the test data. It also eliminates extra effort for coding test data into the script every time. 

Comparatively, linear and modular-based testing frameworks authorize reasonable changes to individual scripts only, but a data-driven test framework allows storing and sharing data from external sources like Excel sheets and CSV files with test scripts.

These test scripts are expected to follow input/output parameters from data sources. Then, perform tests in different fields. 

Linear Test Automation Framework

The linear test automation frameworks are used to fulfil the testing needs of the projects. On the system, certain test cases and scripts are generated with testers’ interaction just by logging in with usernames and passwords. 

They are known as record-and-playback test automation frameworks. 

Although the linear test automation framework supports quick and low-code ways to design tests, it requires maintenance regularly. 

If you make small changes in the application, it’s most likely to get damaged and become disposable tests. 

Record-and-play tests are mainly used in understanding automated testing; testers can learn about various test methods and test codes along with data repositories. In the scripting process, such references increase the effectiveness of the process. 

A simple page consisting of common features is a perfect fit for a linear test automation framework. 

Keyword-Driven Framework

In a keyword-driven test automation framework, every function of the application performing a test is mentioned on a table with instructions on each test consecutively. 

Generally, both test data and script logic are divided into a keyword-driven framework.

Previously, automated testing tools were used to perform tests. The keyword-driven framework has increased self-dependence in the testing process. Such an approach helps in storing keywords in an external statistics table.

The scripts dealing with GUI testing of an application consider keywords as an essential component. These keywords can be simply labelled as ‘click’ or login’ instead of detailed labels. 

In the table, keywords are placed in a sequence with related data and components of the UI conveying performed actions on the tests. 

For better functioning, a shared data repository helps place data to their associated actions. 

Hybrid Test Automation Framework

Hybrid Test Automation Framework is a combination of features related to data-driven and keyword-driven frameworks. 

This approach has the same benefits offered by different kinds of frameworks. 

The hybrid test automation frameworks are used to manage codes in a systematic manner that can be easily reviewed by anyone. 

However, one can select a framework based on the project requirements, budget, and time. Such frameworks increase productivity with uniformity. Yet, hybrid testing frameworks comprise scripted tests for maximizing testing automation. 

A hybrid test framework assures maximum test coverage in the testing automation process. 

Library Architecture Testing Framework

The library architecture testing framework is known to recognize familiar tasks in the test script. 

Later, the testers arrange these similar tasks into various groups based on their characteristics and functions. 

After making groups of functions, all the groups are stored in a library. Then, the library will be used to make new test cases. 

The Library Architecture Testing Framework is effective with applications having familiar functionalities in different forms of the application.

Also, it permits modularization for quick and easy maintenance. 

The Library Architecture Testing Framework is multifunctional; it has similar functions for working over different test scripts in the process. 

An automation script can be a cost-effective choice for the development of the testing process. 

For changing test data, the test script must be changed as the test data is loaded into the test scripts. 

For operating the library testing framework, professional-level coding skills are required. It demands time and effort to plan and create test scripts. 

Nonetheless, the involvement of libraries makes the testing process more complicated. In the test scripts, test data is static and rigidly coded. 

Behavior-Driven Development Framework

A behaviour-driven development framework is an approach to generating a platform for ensuring testers, developers, and business analysts are involved actively in the testing process.

It also empowers interaction between the developers and the testers on the project. 

While using a behaviour-driven development framework, you can operate in non-technical language for making test specifications.

In the end, these automation frameworks contribute to correctly handling codes. Individuals can select testing frameworks based on their project requirements, team, budget, and expertise. 

During the process of software development, learning and understanding various automated testing frameworks is important. 

It’s time to pick a testing framework using platforms like Testsigma, Headspin, etc. to incorporate premium software products to fulfil every user’s demands. 

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