📘 AUTOMATED TESTING: CONSTRUCTING A FRAMEWORK

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✅ 1. What is Automated Testing?

Definition: Automated Testing is the process of using tools and scripts to execute test cases automatically, without manual effort.

👉 Simple meaning: A computer program runs your tests instead of a human.

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🎯 Key Idea:

• Saves time
• Increases accuracy
• Useful for repetitive testing

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🟢 2. What is a Test Automation Framework?

📌 Definition:

A Test Automation Framework is a set of guidelines, tools, and rules used to design and run automated tests efficiently.

👉 Simple meaning: It is a structure/system that helps organize automated testing.

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🎯 Why Use a Framework?

• Improves reusability of test scripts
• Reduces maintenance effort
• Makes testing organized and scalable
• Produces better reports

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🧩 3. COMPONENTS OF AN AUTOMATION FRAMEWORK

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🔵 1. Test Scripts

• Actual automation code
• Written using tools/languages

👉 Example:

• Login test script

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🔵 2. Test Data

• Input data for testing

• Stored in:

  • Excel
  • CSV
  • Database

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🔵 3. Object Repository

• Stores elements of UI (buttons, fields)

👉 Example:

• Login button ID
• Username field

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🔵 4. Test Execution Engine

• Runs test scripts automatically

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🔵 5. Reporting Tool

• Generates:

  • Pass/Fail results
  • Logs

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🔵 6. Configuration Files

• Store settings like:

  • URL
  • Browser type

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📊 FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE DIAGRAM

Test Scripts → Execution Engine → Application
      ↑              ↓
 Test Data       Reports
      ↑
 Object Repository

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🔑 4. TYPES OF AUTOMATION FRAMEWORKS

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🟢 1. Linear Framework (Record & Playback)

📌 Definition:

Tests are recorded and played back.

🎯 Features:

• Simple
• No coding required

❌ Limitation:

• Not reusable

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🔵 2. Modular Framework

📌 Definition:

Application is divided into modules, and each module is tested separately.

🎯 Example:

• Login module
• Payment module

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🟡 3. Data-Driven Framework

📌 Definition:

Test data is separated from test scripts.

📊 Example:

Username	Password
user1	pass1
user2	pass2

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🎯 Key Point:

• Same script runs with multiple data sets

👉 🔥 Frequently asked!

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🟣 4. Keyword-Driven Framework

📌 Definition:

Uses keywords instead of code.

📊 Example:

Keyword	Action
Login	Enter username/password
Click	Press button

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🟠 5. Hybrid Framework

📌 Definition:

Combination of:

• Data-driven
• Keyword-driven

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🎯 Key Point:

• Most commonly used in real projects

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🪜 5. STEPS TO CONSTRUCT AN AUTOMATION FRAMEWORK

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🔵 Step 1: Define Scope

• Identify what to automate

• Example:

  • Regression tests

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🔵 Step 2: Select Tool

• Choose automation tool

• Example:

  • Selenium

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🔵 Step 3: Design Framework Structure

• Decide:

  • Folder structure
  • Naming conventions

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🔵 Step 4: Create Reusable Components

• Functions for:

  • Login
  • Navigation

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🔵 Step 5: Integrate Test Data

• Use external data sources

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🔵 Step 6: Implement Reporting

• Add reporting tools

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🔵 Step 7: Execute & Maintain

• Run tests
• Update scripts regularly

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⚖️ ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

✅ Advantages:

• Fast execution
• Reusable scripts
• Less human error
• Supports regression testing

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❌ Disadvantages:

• High initial cost
• Requires technical skills
• Maintenance needed

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🔥 FREQUENTLY ASKED EXAM POINTS

✔ Define Automation Framework ✔ Types of frameworks ✔ Data-driven framework explanation ✔ Steps to build framework ✔ Advantages of automation

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📊 QUICK REVISION TABLE

Framework Type	Key Idea	Advantage	Disadvantage
Linear	Record/playback	Easy	Not reusable
Modular	Divide modules	Organized	More setup
Data-Driven	Separate data	Flexible	Complex
Keyword-Driven	Use keywords	No coding	Slower
Hybrid	Combination	Powerful	Complex

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🎯 FINAL SUMMARY

• Automated testing uses tools to run tests automatically

• A framework provides structure and organization

• Important frameworks:

  • Data-driven (most important for exams)
  • Hybrid (most used in industry)

• Steps include:

  • Planning
  • Designing
  • Implementing
  • Executing

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