What is Automated Functional Testing?

Automated Functional Testing is one of the considerable segments of the SDLC that is associated with the testing of applications to establish the functional capability and performance of the software product. This approach involves the implementation of a set of predetermined tests with the aid of tools to enable the testers check the wellbeing of the software. Automated functional pointed out that it has a significant role to play in producing current and future complicated software systems that are quality and reliable.

What is Functional Testing?

Functional Testing is a category of software testing processes that seek to pass an application through functional testing procedures. It means that the software behaves as required in as much as the input it receives, the processing it goes through and the output it produces. Functional Testing primarily answers to the question, “does this software perform the tasks it is intended to do?”

Difference between Functional Testing and Non-Functional Testing

Here’s a comparison of Functional Testing and Non-Functional Testing:

Advantages of Functional Testing

• Ensures Compliance: Conforms that software is developed to the required standard.
• Improves User Satisfaction: Enhances user experience by ensuring functionality
• Early Bug Detection: Goes deeper towards the requirements if need which helps in identifying defects early therefore reducing the costs of fixing
• Smooth Integration: Ensures seamless interaction between components.
• Supports Regression: Supports regression testing
• Enhances Quality: Helps to create a solid and qualitative product on the market.
• Reduces Costs: Reduction of cost since defects are identified at the initial stages

Different Types of Functional Testing

• Unit Testing: Checks if each of the components works as expected.
• Integration Testing: Checks the compatibility of integrated modules.
• System Testing: Verifies the whole application at once without having to carry out individual verifications.
• Sanity Testing: Sanity testing is actually a subset of regression testing, focused on verifying specific functionalities after minor changes
• Smoke Testing: First test of the major functions of the system.
• Regression Testing: Prevents the recent changes from impacting the existing features of a product.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): UAT is the last stage of testing, where the application is evaluated by end-users to ensure it meets their needs and expectations.
• Beta Testing: Beta Testing is carried out by a limited group of end-users to detect any remaining issues before the final release.

Different Tools Used for Automating Functional Testing

Several tools are available for automating functional testing, each offering distinct features and capabilities:

1. Selenium: A web application testing tool which is open source and compatible with different browsers and different programming languages.
2. TestComplete: An all round tool for performing functional UI testing of both web, standalone and mobile applications.
3. Ranorex: It provides an easy to use testing automation for both desktop, web and mobile applications.
4. UFT (Unified Functional Testing): It refers to an automation software for testing of web, desktop and other mobile applications.
5. Appium: An application that can be freely downloaded and that helps in automating mobile applications on Android as well as on IOS.

How to Perform Automated Functional Testing?

Automated Functional Testing involves several steps:

1. Identify Test Cases: Identify and prioritize some of the tests to be automated depending on features such as repetitiveness, difficulty and business criticality.
2. Choose the Right Tools: Select the appropriate tools that are relevant to the technology of the application and the extent of testing.
3. Design Test Scripts: Using the chosen tools, develop the test scripts and incorporate the validation checks/ assertions into their construction.
4. Execute Tests: Run your automated tests often ideally with each build in case of CI/CD system.
5. Analyze Results: Review the test results, learn that some tests have been failed and then consult with the development team on how to solve the defects.
6. Maintain Test Scripts: Modify and update the test scripts according to the changes in the application to continue with their efficiency

Best Practices for Automated Functional Testing

1. Start with a Clear Test Strategy: It also requires creating as much detail of the test strategy that will include the purpose, and objectives of automated testing together with the approaches that will be used in the process, This is helpful in that it helps to make relevant the project objectives and the testing specifications.
2. Maintain Test Scripts Regularly: Ensure it is very clear that the automated test scripts should incorporate the latest changes that have been made in the application. By definition, maintenance can be described as a state where tests are still relevant and can deliver the correct results irrespective of the frequency they are used.
3. Integrate with CI/CD Pipelines : Include a functional test automation into the CI/CD pipeline This makes it possible to identify challenges at the initial stages and also recommend at the same time.

Conclusion

Automated Functional Testing is one of the most important components of today’s software development that offers a sound approach to guarantee software quality and reliability. When the routine and intricate test cases are automated, the organizations are likely to release products within a shorter time, increase the precision of the tests and also facilitate high user satisfaction. Applying the best practices and using the proper tools will enhance the efficiency of the automated functional testing.