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Overview
Agile and DevOps methods have changed the way software is developed, with new features being added constantly. Traditional test automation methods are less effective in this environment, as test cases are largely just re-run for . Progressive automation testing, on the other hand, addresses this challenge by focusing on automating new test cases instead of just re-running old ones. This approach also helps ensure that all potential risks are covered.
This blog describes the progressive testing meaning, highlights benefits of this type of testing, explains challenges, and more. Let's dive in.
What is progressive automation testing?
Progressive automation is one of the methods of automation technique where test modules are tested one after the other. In progressive automation, automated test scripts are written along with the development code for faster testing and identification of problems along with quick fixes.
A progressive automation testing suite takes only two or three days to run, but with automation, hundreds of test cases can be executed simultaneously. It also facilitates spotting negative impacts of programming or updates on an existing system much earlier in the software development cycle.
This approach helps organizations shorten their testing cycles and increase test coverage. The three types of progressive automation testing are:
- Model-based testing: This is a technique where a model of the system undergoing testing is created. This model is used to generate test cases.
- Service-oriented testing: This is where tests are designed and written at the service level rather than at the individual component level.
- Component-based testing: In this model, tests are designed and written at the individual component level.
How is progressive testing different from regressive testing?
Progressive testing in software testing enhances traditional regressive testing where new code is tested near the end of a project to locate errors.
In progressive automation testing, test cases are written to validate new functionality, whereas in regressive automation, validation is made to make sure that the existing functionality does not break the flow with any change.
Progressive automation testing allows for high levels of ROI within a project. On the other hand, typical regressive automation suites are built at the end of a project with the hope to using them again in other projects.
Additionally, testing time is shortened and testing coverage is increased with progressive testing.
The benefits of progressive automation testing
Progressive automation testing starts in parallel with the development phase and offers numerous benefits, which are listed below.
- Risk coverage: As progressive automation is all about validating new functionality, end-to-end test cases are executed ensuring accurate communication between various system components. It ensures adequate risk coverage.
- Time-saving: The identified defects (during the early stage of the software development cycle) reduce the effort and cost spent in fixing or retesting the reported bugs, and the scripts can be re-executed multiple times.
- Higher ROI: By delivering operational and tested scripts on an incremental basis, the progressive approach delivers increased value, visibility, and adaptability early in the development life cycle. This significantly reduces the project risk.
How to implement progressive automation testing
You might be wondering how to implement progressive automation testing into your own organization's software testing processes.
First, start with a small, manageable test suite that can be easily automated. Don't try to automate everything at once - you'll just end up overwhelmed.
Second, once you have a test suite that's been automated, gradually increase the scope of what you're testing. You can do this by adding new tests, expanding the coverage of existing tests, or both.
Third, make sure you have a way to track the progress of your automation efforts. This will help you see what's working and what isn't, and make necessary adjustments along the way.
Following these tips, you can start reaping the benefits of progressive automation testing in no time.
The challenges of progressive automation testing
By now, you're probably thinking that progressive automation testing sounds like a dream come true. And in many ways, it is!
But there are also some challenges that come along with it.
- Automation scripts: Progressive automation is to automate almost every test case instead of executing test cases manually. However, script-based test automation tools will not work since testers and business users aren’t programmers.
- Test script maintenance: Repetitive maintenance might be required due to updates in the schema structures, data set, or functionality.
- End-to-end testing: End-to-end test cases are absolutely necessary before an application is launched. However, it is challenging to find a test automation platform that supports an entire technology stack.
Progressive automation testing is definitely not without its challenges, but if you can overcome them, the rewards are well worth it.
Overcoming challenges with Opkey
Opkey's no code automation testing is a great way to get started with progressive automation testing. Let’s see how.
No code automation: With Opkey, manual testers and business users can create and run tests without any programming knowledge. Opkey’s drag-and-drop interface helps you get started quickly and easily without having to learn a new programming language.
Self-healing: Opkey comes packed with AI-powered self-healing capabilities that autonomously heal broken scripts without human intervention. This reduces your test script maintenance efforts up to 70%.
End-to-end testing: Opkey offers support for 14+ ERPs along with web, mobile, APIs, desktop, Citrix, mainframes, and other legacy applications.
Conclusion
Progressive automation testing is a testing strategy that is designed to gradually introduce automation into the testing process. This approach can be beneficial for organizations that want to increase their use of automation but are not yet ready to fully commit.
If you're thinking about implementing progressive testing, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it's important to have a clear understanding of your goals and objectives. Second, you need to choose the right tools and technologies for your specific needs. And third, you need to be prepared to invest time and resources into training and development.
