Best 10 Functional Testing Tools for Automation Testing

Increased demand for system automation is observed in all spheres of human activity, including the IT industry. The last one actively uses functional testing automation, which simplifies the types of web applications development, software testing, and communication with staff.

In particular, organizations are working hard to improve integration methodologies. But most importantly, the central aspect of test automation has changed today: they focused on the improved coverage and effective use of test cases.

What is functional testing and why is it important?

Functional testing is an integral part of the global QA process. Its crucial value lies in checking functions (such as GUI elements) and the operation of each software algorithm. Not properly tested functionality can transform into risks and expenses in later stages, both for developers and product owners.

In fact, this underscores the importance of functional testing for a project, regardless of its type, scale, or purpose. Just as automation of these checks through specialized tools, saving time and resources further enhances the overall efficiency of testing.

Why you need automated functional testing services?

The advantages of functional testing automation are apparent: and it lies in the time savings. It’s enough to say that manual testing takes much time and resources when automatic testing requires just writing one script. However, this same advantage makes it possible to reuse this script, which optimizes the testing process quite significantly.

Selenium

This tool is known as one of the most popular functional testing tools for web applications. Moreover, it takes top place in the list of the most important and demanded tools for automation and web testing.

Selenium is considered the ancestor of several other testing tools, including Robot Framework, Watir, Protractor, Katalon Studio. The coders can write scripts for integration testing the framework on Python, C#, PHP, Java, and others.

Selenium is flexible enough and supports Linux, Windows Mac, and many popular browsers, including Firefox, Headless browsers, IE, Chrome.

The main Selenium properties are:

• Create complex and advanced automation scripts.
• Creation of a base that will also be available for other automated testing tools.
• Parallel execution of the test with an accompanying reduction in time.

As for the disadvantages, this is the need for a highly qualified specialist. Thus, an automation tester must have advanced knowledge in software development and be ready for the time-consuming writing of special libraries and frames that provide the necessary functions in the process of automated regression testing.

Appium

Initially, Sauce Labs developed a cross-platform open-source tool to automate website testing for their native mobile apps. It’s known that this is one of the most demanded frameworks from arsenal of dedicated QA team, which allows testing several devices at once. Moreover, it is used for different web apps, including native and hybrid ones. And if just a few updates ago Appium supported web apps only, then now it is suitable for desktop apps.

As for Appium features and advantages, then they are as follows:

• Open-source.
• Strong community.
• Multi-platform support.
• Parallel testing.
• Support for many programming languages, including
• Python, PHP, Ruby, C #, Java and JavaScript, etc.
• Selenium client library support.

Also, you should consider a couple of nuances, like a little slow work due to its dependence on the remote web server driver and some difficulties with parallel testing on Mac devices.

Cypress

Many experts argue that it’s not easy to find a simpler functional automated testing tool than Cypress. It has extensive documentation written in simple language and provides API descriptions, helpful guides from the developer project, and configuration settings.

In addition, the tool also boasts excellent documentation and a number of advantages:

• Easy to install and fast.
• Test runner, which is an excellent tool for the debugging process.
• Great development experience.

It is also worth noting that this is an ideal framework for those who are just trying their hand at test automation. But, of course, it has its drawbacks, such as the problem with submitting the form data and the cross-origin error. Cypress also does not allow you to run tests in several tabs at the same time and switch to other resources.

Playwright

This is another worthy alternative for Microsoft’s Selenium. It allows you to test not only in JavaScript but also in Python and C #. Again, it’s open-source and great for end-to-end testing.

The features and advantages are following:

• Single API.
• High speed.
• Wide coverage.
• Excellent accuracy.
• No restrictions on iFrame, Cross-Origin.
• Ability to upload and download files.
• Generating and writing scripts through CodeGen.
• Allure Report feature integration.
• Support for Java and JavaScript, Python, .NET, and more.
• Ability to write cross-browser tests.

Safari testing is also characteristic of the Playwright. Automation is also possible here for single-page applications that rely on a modern, web application platform.

So, the tool offers quite wide opportunities, adding new functionality testing features for testing.

Mocha

Mocha was originally developed for Node.js in 2011. It is now a popular functional testing automation tool that can also be used in front-end testing.

• Flexibility.
• Lots of tools and features.
• An active community that will always support and advise.
• Ability to select libraries, assertion, mocking, and spy libraries you want to use.
• Powerful open-source libraries like Chai and Sinon.

Mocha is a great tool for those who have a large project and need additional settings and configurations.

Jest

Two functional automation testing tools are quite often opposed to each other: these are Mocha and Jest. In this case, this is a framework that was created for Java Testing script and allowed simultaneous testing of operating systems.

It is also worthy for several reasons:

• Excellent documentation with lots of examples supported by the community.
• A friendly, helpful community that provides advice via Discord or Stack Overflow.
• Isolation of tests.
• Extensive API.
• Interactive mode for easy running of all necessary tests.
• Easy mocking.
• Snapshot testing.

And what’s nicer, it works right out of the box; that is, it does not require any additional settings. It’s easy to stop and control.

Robot Framework

It is a keyword-driven framework explicitly designed for test automation. It is written in Python, but it is usually enough for writing tests to use ready-made keywords embedded in this framework without resorting to programming in Python.

You just need to load the necessary libraries, such as Selenium Library, and write a test.

It also has many significant advantages, namely:

• Low entry threshold.
• The ability to set tags for tests.
• Automatic reports creation.
• Parallel launch.
• BDD out of the box.

Of the minuses, we can single out poor third-party libraries’ support or, for example, the absence of the possibility of debugging with built-in tools.

TestNG

Cédric Beust has created a framework that will become the Next Generation of functional automation testing tools. TestNG is what will help make your tests more structured and provide better validation points for functional tests.

It is also remarkable in the following points:

• Powerful and varied annotations to support your test cases.
• Parallel execution of tests, use of dependencies between tests.
• Flexibility to run your tests on different datasets, through the TestNG.xml file or through the data-provider concept.
• Grouping and prioritizing test cases.
• Generation of HTML reports, customization using various plugins.
• Generation of test execution logs.
• Easy integration with Eclipse, Maven, Jenkins, etc.

In essence, it is an annotation-based testing framework that overcomes some of the shortcomings of JUnit by adding features like flexible devices, test classification, parameter testing, and dependent methods.

Selenide

In short, Selenide is a tool for automating user actions in a browser, focused on the convenience usability testing and ease of implementation of business logic in autotests in the user’s language.

Its key features are:

• Concise jQuery-style syntax.
• Automatically resolve most Ajax, wait and timeout issues.
• Browser life management.
• Automatic screenshots.

Selenide’s goal is to focus on the business logic of tests and not waste mental energy on technical details security testing.

Cucumber

Cucumber is a free, flexible, and functional BDD web application testing tool that is open source. It applies to functional testing tools for web applications only.

It is built with simple test code (Gherkin) and compatible with different frameworks like Selenium or Ruby. This functional automated testing tool is in demand by serious users such as PayPal and Canon.

What points to consider in order to select the right tool for functional automation testing?

Overall, all checks of this type are conducted manually, however, only in the initial stages, as there is a need to validate the results before starting automation.

This means that the cases created at the project development launch stage are upgraded and combined into a streamlined, automated functional testing algorithm.

It is precisely for automation that we need the tools mentioned in the article. With their help, you can create and modify the test environment and verification scenarios (algorithm code) and gather data about product performance. The choice of software for these tasks depends on several factors.

Current testing needs

The stage of the product’s development and its modules determine the tools that are more appropriate to use. For example, if the project is in its early development stages, you can immediately deploy the Selenium environment and establish the future testing architecture. The same goes for regression, as the framework works well with comprehensive tests.

However, you can use tools like Cypress or Playwright when you need to quickly check a specific element without conducting a full testing cycle (which can be time-consuming and inefficient). In other words, create a simple algorithm or even test the component manually, which can sometimes be more practical.

Product specifics

The scale, modularity, and internal communications within the software also influence the choice of tool. If you need to work with a specific module autonomously, you can use Selenium and create “stubs” for the API. Alternatively, you can comprehensively test the system using the same framework.

Overall, each tool is situational, so its choice depends on the project’s current needs, expert preferences, and cost-effectiveness, which can indicate the suitability of a particular testing suite.

Timeframes

In any case, testing requires time. The more complex algorithm you run, the more cycles you specify, and the longer the testing process takes (even within automated functional testing services).

The testing time depends to some extent on the toolset, so it’s not entirely practical to single out a specific framework as more or less productive.

Mykhailo Poliarush

CEO, ZappleTech Inc.

However, if you truly need to reduce testing time, we recommend using comprehensive tools like Selenium and building “lightweight” algorithms within it that the program can quickly process.

Global differences between the tools provided in this article

In a global context, these tools serve different purposes, work algorithms, scripting languages, etc. However, all the mentioned frameworks are suitable for automating functional testing. They have similar effectiveness, so their use is a choice made by an expert specializing in a specific platform.

The only significant difference is the learning curve. In other words, Selenium, for example, is slightly more challenging to learn but simultaneously more effective than other platforms or testing frameworks.

Why choosing the right tool is so important?

If you need truly comprehensive test coverage for a digital product, you’re unlikely to do without tools and automated checks. This is a key reason and factor in the importance of the IT solutions described here. Additionally, using specialized suites offers several advantages over traditional manual testing.

Testing Efficiency

The concept of efficiency is inherent in all modern industries. It is of particular importance in development and QA, as it is one of the key metrics that characterize efficiency.

Manual testing or automation with standard development suites cannot achieve the same efficiency level as specialized toolsets.

With platforms (frameworks) like Selenium, experts can configure comprehensive testing algorithms and modify them as needed. This leverages software potential to optimize the workflow.

Resource and Budget Savings

Manual testing often requires many specialists (depending on the project’s scale), whereas automation only requires one engineer. Initial checks (as well as control checks) are conducted manually, but routine tasks are programmed into automation algorithms (such as in Selenium).

This provides several advantages: it reduces the number of specialists involved in the project, decreases personnel-related costs, and enhances work quality.

Risk Mitigation

Every error (bug) in a product incurs costs. The further along in the project, the more expensive it becomes to identify and rectify the issue.

Specialized testing tools improve product quality and reduce the risks of potential financial losses or damage to reputation.

The IT solutions from this material allow testing to be deployed even in the early stages of development and meticulously assess each software element. Covering up to 100% of program components ensures that bugs are detected and localized promptly. The key is to have these processes carried out by professionals.

In-house vs. Outsourced dilemma in functional testing

Often, the question arises whether to hire in-house personnel to provide automated functional testing services or outsource this work to external experts. Both solutions are optimal, but outsourcing does offer certain advantages. For example:

• A specialized automation testing company has more industry experience in QA.
• External teams are formed according to the specific project’s needs (based on skills, experience, and toolset).
• No expenses for logistics, rentals, staffing, equipment purchase, technology, etc.
• The ability to work with more cost-effective regions without compromising service quality.
• The organization of multiple parallel teams for working on large-scale projects.

And these are just some of the benefits that even SMBs can get by outsourcing QA tasks to experts. However, it’s important to choose the right contractor to avoid situations where a company might face issues due to the actions of incompetent testers.

Tips for choosing a good contractor

There are instances when you delegate a project to “experts,” and they fail to carry out their responsibilities, their effectiveness doesn’t match the cost of hiring them, and so on. Consequently, such collaborations can lead to reputation issues or financial problems for the company (requiring product retesting). Doesn’t sound pleasant, does it?

But don’t worry; we’ll guide you on how to correctly choose a contractor who will successfully handle your QA project.

Portfolio Review

First and foremost, you should visit the team’s website and review their case studies. These generally showcase the professionals’ actual level of experience and skills, as well as their readiness to work across different industries.

Pay attention to the tech stack used by the testers, project completion time, team size, and more. This will serve as an indicator of whether the service provider meets the needs of your product or whether you should consider other experts.

Budget Allocation and Priorities

Services from strong teams come at a significant cost, and that’s a fact. Therefore, ensure that your budget can accommodate the expenses associated with comprehensive QA. Does this mean you should look for providers offering lower-quality services? No, and here’s why:

Modern QA market players offer clients personalization, meaning they tailor a tariff and service package optimal for the client and their budget.

Sergey Almyashev

COO, ZappleTech Inc.

So, if you approach ZappleTech with a QA project, you’ll receive quality assistance that’s budget-friendly, regardless of your current financial constraints.

Reviews from Previous Clients

Platforms like G2, TrustPilot, DesignRush, and others host reviews about company performance. Accordingly, you can find a team that interests you and check their rating.

By learning more about potential contractors’ methods and quality of work, you can make an informed decision about outsourcing the project. Or, you can save time and stress by entrusting the work to niche experts, the ZappleTech team.

Why is it better to order this kind of service in company ZappleTech?

The company has been executing commercial projects for over 10 years. Approximately 99% of clients have been satisfied with the services during this time, and some collaborations have transformed into partnerships.

With over 100 completed developments, an equal number of support projects, proficiency in working with all current methodologies and tools, and flexible pricing, we offer all of this to potential ZappleTech clients.

Want to maximize the quality of your IT product’s implementation? Entrust its testing and support to industry QA experts, the ZappleTech team! Reach out to a manager to discuss the details of our future collaboration!

Functional Testing Tools for Automation Testing: Final thoughts

We all understand that there are no perfect functional automation testing tools. However, we have many tools today to speed up testing without hours of tedious work.

The IT industry offers dozens of types of functional testing and automation tools; some of them are considered as best ones:

• Selenium;
• Appium;
• Cypress;
• Playwright;
• Mocha;
• Jest;
• Robot Framework;
• TestNG;
• Selenide;
• Cucumber.

Many of them are open source, compatible with a lot of programming languages ​​and applications.

But for your business processes to be optimized in the right way, you also need a team of experienced specialists and testers that know how to use functional automation tools correctly. And we will help you solve all the tasks related to performance testing and, automation, and optimization of business processes at once.