In the world of online business, mobile applications are just as important as websites. Apps are more critical considering the fact that people now use mobile devices rather than desktops to make online purchases. This is why businesses focus on delivering a seamless experience to users through applications, and keep them engaged to retain them. So quality assurance of these applications and any enterprise software is as important as software development itself.

At present, we are witnessing a rising demand for test automation so as to ensure the performance and functionalities of software as well as applications.

TEST magazine recently partnered with SoftwareTestingNews to carry out a survey on automation testing.

When asked what the respondents would like to achieve in the next 5 years, about 73% of the respondents said they would like to see 50:50 to 25:75 manual:automation testing. 14% of the respondents prefer not to have manual testing.

Automation testing tools not only make testing easier but also make it efficient. Though enterprises have a wide range of options for automation tools to choose from, they generally tend to choose only a select few that fit their business goals, testing goals, and budget.

Depending on these factors, the choice may either be a proprietary (licensed) tool or an open source tool. Nevertheless, these tools can make a considerable difference in the way software testing works.

Here is a list of a few of the top automation testing tools a tester should know about.
 

Eggplant

 
This test automation tool is the best choice for many owing to its various features that enable developers to create, plan, schedule and execute tests to assess the performance and functionality aspects of the application across various devices and platforms. Compatibility with Linux, macOS X, and Windows is an added benefit. The tool can also integrate with app lifecycle management software including but not limited to Jenkins and IBM Rational Quality Manager.
 

Ranorex

 
Ranorex is popular among testers as it offers cost-effective and innovative test automation software to businesses across the globe. Ranorex license enables testers to test not just mobile apps but also desktop and web apps as well. The tool can be adapted across popular programming languages, and is quite easy to implement.

In addition to testing the functionality of the app with both the tester’s and developer’s inputs, Ranorex also boosts distributed testing. It supports a wide range of popular technologies including .NET, Java, iOS/Android/Windows apps etc.

Key benefits:

  • Enables Selenium WebDriver integration in Ranorex Studio
  • Access Selenium tools
  • JUnit compatible reports
  • Plug-in free web testing

 

Selenium

 
A widely endorsed tool by the testing community, Selenium is an open source test automation tool that’s primarily used for web and mobile testing. No upfront costs and free technical support from a big community makes Selenium a much preferred option for businesses offering IT services.

The tool with its own script allows testers to run tests under many browsers simultaneously. It can be used with multiple languages including C#, JavaScript, PHP, Python etc. and also integrates seamlessly with tools like SauceLabs, QMetry etc.
 

Tosco

 
A test automation tool from Tricentis, Tosco is slowly rising in popularity. Tosco reduces testing time and effort for manual testing, bringing down the cost considerably. In addition, it doesn’t require much maintenance either and can fit in well in an agile environment.

Key benefits:

  • Testers can reuse test assets
  • Test cases are redundancy-free
  • Drag and drop execution of test cases
  • Disseminates automated tests across the cloud or virtual machines

 

Conclusion

 
Test automation can only be effective if it’s leveraged properly. And to leverage it properly, it’s vital to plan ahead while keeping the business goals in mind before implementing it. These tools can serve their purpose only if test automation is implemented properly. See the connection? Plan. Implement. Leverage.

Written by: verbat