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Test Automation Framework

A Test Automation Framework is a structured set of guidelines, tools, and libraries used to automate software testing. It provides a foundation for creating, executing, and maintaining automated test scripts in an organized and efficient manner. Instead of writing every test from scratch, a framework offers a reusable structure that standardizes the testing process, reduces maintenance costs, and makes test automation more scalable and reliable.

The four most common types of automation frameworks are:

  • Linear Automation Framework: Simple record-and-playback scripts.

  • Modular Framework: Tests are broken down into reusable modules.

  • Data-Driven Framework: Test data is separated from the test logic.

  • Keyword-Driven Framework: Actions are abstracted into keywords that can be used to build test cases.

    Example: A quality assurance team wants to automate the testing of their website's login feature. They decide to use a Test Automation Framework based on a tool like Cucumber. The framework would allow them to:

  1. Write tests in a human-readable format (Gherkin syntax), making them understandable to both technical and non-technical team members.
  2. Create reusable "steps" that perform actions like "I enter my username" or "I click the login button."
  3. Store different test data (e.g., various valid and invalid usernames) in a separate file, so the same test script can be run with multiple data sets.

This approach makes the automation process more collaborative and much easier to maintain over time.