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Test Automation Challenges That
Quality Assurance Teams Face

Test automation continues to be the trendiest topic in QA. It is the solution for adopting CI/CD and agile QA procedures. Still, many teams have struggled to do so owing to several issues encountered while implementing and engaging with ios mobile app automation testing. Even highly skilled QA engineers can fall short of adequately resolving these issues early on. Today, let's examine typical test automation issues, their causes, and possible solutions.

1. Automated Testing's Unrealistic Expectations

It's no secret that test automation provides a plethora of advantages. Most significantly, it assists the quality assurance team in conserving time, effort, and resources. JUnit is widely used by developers to provide repeatable tests for Java applications. Doesn't this imply that automating as many operations as possible would result in increased efficiency?

Not exactly. Individuals' unrealistic expectations for test automation might devastate the entire testing process. You run the danger of having an excessive number of test cases and QAs failing to perform their duties.

Here are some reasons why you cannot rely solely on automated testing:

Manual testing is critical: Never disregard manual testing. Occasionally, manually testing an application is a far superior approach to developing automated test scripts. Manual testing is well suited for the following:

User interface and usability testing
Rapid compatibility testing on a single or more devices
Tests that are performed just once
Testing ad hoc

Non-automated parts of testing continue to exist: Automated test scripts require human support. Thus, even if you continue to rely on automating most of your testing efforts, you will still have non-automated tasks remaining.

Solution: A well-defined testing plan.

Unrealistic expectations for automated testing are a result of the testing approach being unclear. Therefore, before using test automation, carefully make your choice. Consider the following:

Why is test automation necessary for your team/project/company?
What are your objectives for test automation?

With the answers in place, you can begin drafting the testing approach. This is critical since it will serve as a guide throughout the testing procedure. However, please keep it brief and straightforward, and don't forget to update your testing plan regularly.

2. Using Inappropriate Tools

Without the appropriate tools, test automation will be ineffective. With so many testing options available on the market, it's easy to become duped. Selecting the incorrect technology may result in scalability issues in addition to failing to fulfill your initial test automation goals.

Solution: Make careful tool selections.

To resolve this test automation issue, you must first understand your requirements. Before selecting a tool, establish the criteria and objectives you wish to accomplish with it. Consider the following:

Is this tool meeting your present goals?
Are you able to afford this tool?
Is it compatible with the technological stack used by your team?
What are the tool's requirements?

Bear in mind that it may take some time to identify the optimal solutions for your testing requirements. If you're looking for a dependable mobile UI automated testing solution, consider the Robolectric framework, which was built to make Android testing much more accessible and uncomplicated.

3. Automating Superfluous Tests and Ignoring Critical Test Cases

Regrettably, when it comes to automation, quality assurance teams frequently begin by arbitrarily automating test cases. As a result, they have low test coverage and an excessive number of pointless tests. Additionally, using this technique, you run the danger of missing critical instances and resulting in software quality gaps.

Solution: Determine which tasks are automatable.

Before developing test scripts, it is necessary to conduct research. Determine what is worth automating and then begin automating where it will have the most impact. Choose an appropriate testing strategy, keeping in mind test metrics and results.

Additionally, you may assess possible risks and automate testing in accordance with them. Define the system's most susceptible points and begin testing there. Choose the ones that would be the most detrimental to your firm if they failed.

4. Choosing the Incorrect Testing Period

Today, many teams still view testing as a post-development activity. Only once the entire build is complete do QAs begin their work. This old-fashioned technique is incapable of ensuring the high quality of software. It prevents QAs from testing all levels thoroughly, and there is typically little time available for testing.

Solution: Parallelize automated testing with the development process.

Testing should not be limited to the last phases of development. If you want test automation to succeed, you must begin running tests early in the development process and maintain them throughout the SDLC.

5. Inadequate Testing

Inadequate testing happens when QAs depend excessively on automation and place a higher premium on passing tests than detecting issues. The issue is that automation creates an illusion of security. It's tempting to minimize human interaction and accountability for the findings when automated tests are conducted regularly. This method has disastrous consequences, such as poor test design, inconsistency, and ineffective testing.

Solution: Training for the QA crew.

Before using automation, ensure that your crew is adequately trained. Ascertain that they understand their responsibilities in the process and possess the technical skills to support the testing.