Demand for test automation is increasing. We believe that it is caused by the widespread introduction of digital technologies, accelerated during the pandemic. This global market is expected to grow by 19.2% during 2021-2026 until it reaches $49.9 billion (compared to about $21 billion in 2021). It means that more and more companies realize the importance of business automation and strive to use more test automation tools. Let’s take a look at popular tools that allow you to check your products quickly and control their stability.
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Leaders among software testing tools: what to choose and why?
1. Selenium
This tool is known to all specialists who are somehow connected with QA. Most often, they choose Selenium to automate tests of Java-based web apps. It combines a set of programs with open source code available for viewing and making changes (as in most other software):
- IDE. A plugin for Firefox allows for recording, saving, editing, and playing back user activities. It generates code for RC and WebDriver versions.
- WebDriver. A library with excellent features for managing browsers. It includes drivers for browsers and client libraries. Unlike the IDE, here you can work with programming languages.
- RC (1.0). This library used to be the main project before WebDriver (2.0) was created. These tools are similar, but RC loses out in terms of architectural simplicity, speed, and functionality.
- Grid. A cluster of multiple servers that help manage browsers on different devices. A distributed network allows parallel testing when it is vital to meet deadlines.
- Server. A software that offers convenient conditions for working with the browser remotely (over the network). Command sets for new (WebDriver) and legacy (RC) versions are supported.
As you can see, it is a valuable solution for testers. Its capabilities are commonly used in large corporations, including Google. Why does it attract professionals? Based on our experience, we can note 3 positive points: support for popular languages, comfortable work in most popular browsers and operating systems (including mobile ones), and quick integration with other tools.
2. WebdriverIO
This environment allows you to create reliable, stable test suites. It is suitable for modern mobile and web apps as well as desktop solutions. Experts appreciate the tool for fast configuring and recording, the well-known language used (JavaScript), and multifunctionality
You can add auxiliary functions, complex sets, and combinations of commands, expanding the tool’s possibilities. The platform provides flexible conditions and allows you to adapt to current requirements: it has many built-in and community plugins for easy integration and customization. The project is constantly growing and developing, taking into account the preferences of its participants.
3. Appium
When it comes to mobile software, it makes sense to prefer this testing tool. It is worth your attention. Its features allow for writing tests for mobile platforms using the API. Although the focus is on the mobile format, there is an extension for hybrid and native apps.
We appreciate its ability to interoperate with different languages, connect to CI/CD tools, and reuse code. This tool is gradually becoming an industry standard and a leader in the ratings for mobile testers.
4. Cypress
It is a relatively young software testing tool. It offers new concepts and solutions in automation and testing. Its key feature is that it runs inside the browser. It means that it does not miss any manipulations with elements on the page, which reduces the risk of floating tests.
Its advantages include built-in tools based on Mocha, Chai, and Sinon; automatic waiting mechanism; the ability to move several steps back; detailed documentation with many examples. Cypress became popular immediately after entering the market, but recently it has a competitor that overcomes its tradeoffs.
5. Playwright
It is the latest software testing tool created by the same team that worked on Puppeteer. It is called a competitor to Cypress due to its features and the absence of some problems. Its main capabilities include checking the elements for operability before performing actions; imitation of incognito mode and multi-page scripts; modeling permissions. Unique features include writing tests with CodeGen, PDF creation, and Allure integrations.
It is applicable to top browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox. You can work with Windows, Linux, macOS and integrate with key CI/CD servers. The platform expands the possibilities of QA specialists in building test scenarios, as it is friendly to several powerful languages (Java, Python, .NET, C#). It has high accuracy and speed, which allows you to work on complex apps. There is every reason to believe that Playwright will remain a big name in cross-browser test automation for a long time.
6. Selenide
You probably haven’t forgotten about WebDriver yet. That’s good because we will discuss it in this paragraph too. Selenide belongs to the test automation tools closely related to the leader of our list. It can be called a wrapper around the main Selenium product, which greatly simplifies and speeds up its use. So, the specialist can focus on the logic, avoiding the routine with the browser.
We choose this tool when the product has never been tested in automatic mode. It increases the speed by 2-3 times by solving typical Ajax and Selenium problems. Note that it is not suitable for all cases because it is aimed at Java.
7. Espresso
One of the effective tools for writing robust and concise UI tests for Android apps. Espresso provides a predictable, flexible, and consistent API. It is easy to learn so that you can run tests without single-threaded testing problems. Tests can be written with Java and Kotlin.
The tool’s features are high scalability and flexibility, simple API, a separate module for testing, support for testing outside the application, backward compatibility, etc. It provides high test loop stability and is suitable for writing black-box tests.
8. JUnit
JUnit is a convenient test automation tool used for unit testing of Java-based software. It belongs to the xUnit languages and is at the heart of TDD. JUnit is also adapted to other environments, including PHP, C#, C++, Python, Perl, Fortran, Delphi, Flex, JavaScript, or COS.
JUnit works on the principle: first tests, then code. At the first stage, it is necessary to determine the work expectations and then check the identity of the result with the required one. The piece of code to test is written only after that. This approach positively affects the efficiency of the developer, increases the stability of the code, and reduces the time spent on debugging the program.
9. TestCafe
When you need to test a complex business application, it makes sense to turn to TestCafe. It is friendly to different browsers (desktop, headless) and platforms, integrates with top CI/CD solutions, and is suitable for complex scenarios and any technology. Running tests in multiple browsers saves a lot of time and reduces the cost of computing resources.
When problems occur, you can quickly determine the source using debug mode. TestCafe helps eliminate the hassle of writing and maintaining e2e tests. Thanks to the built-in waiting mechanism, you can forget about unstable tests and timeouts. The product offers opportunities for both novices and experienced QAs who want to improve the performance of checks.
10. Robot Framework
Here is a keyword-driven framework aimed at test automation. Written with Python, it is widely known among ATDD specialists. You can use ready-made keywords (embedded in the framework) to create tests. It is enough to download the necessary libraries to get started.
The framework’s features include web and mobile support, tags for tests (any information for identification), automatic reporting without additional commands, default Gherkin syntax, parallel launch, and more. In addition, it requires less programming knowledge to use. Such a low entry threshold attracts beginners worldwide.
In the face of strict deadlines and requirements for software, it is vital to take a responsible approach to the choice of testing tools. Select reliable solutions, proven over the years and approved by millions of automation professionals. We follow this principle in our work, which allows us to avoid unpleasant surprises and guarantee reliable results for our clients.
