Every software that is released in the market goes through a rigorous testing phase. During the development phase, software is generally tested several times, often manually. Following that most companies utilize automated testing tools to eliminate the occurrence of any errors that may not get noticed by the human eye during manual tests.
Apart from minimizing errors, automated software testing tools help save time and money as you can run the tests again and again without any additional cost.
Nowadays, there is a wide choice of tools available for automated testing while new and updated versions continue to emerge every day. The good news is that while most software testing tools are costly, some are free which allows developers with small budgets an opportunity to utilize them for quality assurance.
To help get you started with automated testing, I’ve put together the following list of the latest trending software testing tools. There’s plenty to choose from, with each tool offering it’s own set of unique features. Which features you need will vary greatly depending on the project you are working with, and going through this is beyond the scope of this article. Feel free to check out the posts from accelQ which go more in-depth on automation testing.
Selenium
This testing framework can be applied on all major platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac. Selenium also allows web developers to test in a number of programming languages like Java, Python, Ruby, Groovy, Perl, PHP, and C++. The record and playback feature is also helpful in conducting tests without having prior knowledge of Selenium IDE.
Selenium is supported by most of the leading web browsers including Chrome and Firefox. In short, Selenium undoubtedly is one of the best software testing tools for general investigation.
The testing tool itself is free and you can download it without hidden charges. However, some of the tests you conduct through the platform will be charged.
TestComplete
Developed by Smart Bear software, Test Complete offers:
- GUI testing
- Recording and playback
- Scripted testing
- Visualized testing
TestComplete also offers full language support and, like Selenium, it lets web developers test in Java Script, Python, J Script, C++ Script, and Delphi Script – to name a few.
Currently, the Smart Bear software company is offering a free trial for Test Complete while they offer different testing packages to cater to the needs of every organization. For more information, visit the official website of Smart Bear.
Sahi
Tise open-source web app and testing tool allows users to record and playback on all major browsers. The easy to use and maintain testing software is available in two programming languages – Javascript and Java.
Sahi Pro was chosen over various other web testing tools by Mahindra Comviva – a global leader in mobile solutions, for its ease of use, versatility, and speed. Additionally, features like in-built reports, managed parallel playback across machines, and simplified APIs makes Sahi highly appreciated by web developers.
Like other testing tools, you can download Sahi Pro for a free trial.
Telerik TestStudio
For those looking for a one-stop solution for their desktop automation, web, mobile, and software testing – Telerik TestStudio is the right choice. The automated testing tool is integrated with Visual Basic Studio 2010 and 2012. It also supports record and playback testing, cross browser testing, and manual testing.
Web developers can utilize Telerik TestStudio in different programming languages such as HTML, ASP.Net, AJAX, Java Script, WPF, MVC, and Silverlight. The testing tool is also integrated with bug tracking tools.
Telerik TestStudio is also available for a free trial.
Wercker
The Holland-based software firm offers a platform that helps build and deploy micro services and applications. The most unique feature of Wercker is that it sits between the code repository and the app. Whenever you make a change in the Git; the testing tool grabs the code and tests it in isolation while notifying you of the errors. This allows continuous integration and rapid testing.
Wercker is customizable and web developers can deploy any code from anywhere through third-party integrations.
It can also be integrated with GitHub that works as a bug tracking tool for enhanced protection.
While the basic edition of Wercker is free, the virtual private pipelines can be subscribed for only $350 per month.
The final word
These were just some of the testing tools that are trending amongst web developers. Of course, there are others as well and you can try a few until you find one that caters to all your testing requirements. Additionally, don’t forget the fundamental testing rule that says, ‘100% automation is not possible’. Therefore, it’s important to remember that manual testing is also equally important to assess a software’s quality. According to web developers, manual tests are conducted initially after which automated tests are deployed to finalize a software.
In fact, a recent survey concluded that only 5% of respondents rely on automated testing while most software companies go for 75:25 or 50:50 automation: manual testing. Surprisingly, 9% of companies claim that they only rely on manual tests and don’t invest in automated software testing tools nor have any plans to do so in the future.
On the other hand, 14% respondents of the same study claimed that in the next five years, they will deploy NO manual testing on their software.
In short, technology is evolving and one cannot just rely on the power of the human brain, or automate processes 100% and exclude all forms of human involvement. You need to find a ratio that perfectly fits your individual business needs.
What is your favorite automation testing software? Or do you still prefer manual tests? Let us know in the comments below!