Scriptless test automation is the future! Gone are those days when testers would type huge lines of code and then test the software accordingly.

Many software development firms are shifting from manual testing to scriptless automation testing.

So in this blog, we will discuss scriptless automation testing, its features and benefits, and also…

…how you can get the best ROI from scriptless automation software.

Let’s get started!

What Is Scriptless Test Automation?

Scriptless test automation empowers testers to create automated tests through user-friendly tools, eliminating the need for manual coding and enabling a focus on business logic validation.

So basically, test scripts keep on building in the backend, and you need to run these automation testing tools to test your websites and software, which provide you with better ROI, save time, and are more accurate.

The primary motivation for creating this kind of scriptless automation testing software is to; replace the test developer or team firms hired for software testing with a system that is more accurate, less costly, and time-saving.

In short, like many businesses where automation has gotten more accessible and more accurate with software testing, the same thing is done to make the testing easy to the level where even the person with zero programming knowledge can perform software testing and get the things done.

Read also: Benefits of Scriptless Test Automation to Increase Your ROI

You Don’t Need to Code for Scriptless Testing

So there are lots of automation tools available in the market; in some of the automation tools, codings are required, but with TestGrid’s automation testing tool, zero coding knowledge is required, you do not need the programmer to perform software testing with TestGrid.io; also instructions are given in basic English.

So you can do the testing of your software and website in just a few clicks.

How Does Scriptless Test Automation Work?

Record and playback is the most widely used method for scriptless testing. It typically has a recorder that captures a tester’s actions on the screen as they interact with an application. The recorder then generates a test script based on these actions.

Some popular approaches adopted in scriptless testing tools and frameworks include:

AI-Driven Testing:

This type of scriptless test automation uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to automatically generate test cases and predict test data, reducing the need for manual test creation and maintenance.

TestGrid uses AI/ML to unleash the fastest scriptless testing experience. Users can focus on building logical workflows and leave the test creation to TestGrid. TestGrid can interpret a simple test scenario explained in English and generate an automated script that empowers all stakeholders to test their native or web app effortlessly.

Input Story –

1. The Facebook website is launched

2. Check email is visible

3. Enter test@gmail.com in the email input field.

4. Enter test@1234 in the password input field.

5. Click login button

6. Check the password you entered incorrect messages

Output Testcase –

Record and playback

Test steps are generated simultaneously as the tester interacts with the online application. These test procedures can be run in a browser later.

You may now test this crucial feature by automating numerous data inputs (valid or invalid) or leaving a field blank. Similarly, once you have created a test case, you will be able to automate various features using multiple data inputs.

The corresponding test case may be swiftly updated and automated whenever the development team updates any feature in a user process.

Consider the following e-commerce workflow:

Register or Login >> Browse Multiple Catalogue of Products >> Add an item to your cart >> Add Shipping and Billing Information >> Checkout & Payment >> Receipt and Order Information

Multiple features, data inputs, and third-party connectors are included in this end-to-end scenario. As a result, numerous things can go wrong during regularly upgraded functionalities. However, you may easily traverse the system as a user, record tests, and automate them.

Cross-browser testing and parallel testing are also features of several scriptless testing solutions. As a result, you can run tests in various browsers at the same time.

Low-Code Automation

Low-code automation platforms provide a visual interface for creating automated tests, without the need for programming. These platforms typically offer a variety of pre-built components and templates that can be dragged and dropped to create test cases. They also provide a way to automate test data management and test execution.

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Know more: Why You Should Use Device Farms for Faster and More Efficient Testing

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12 Unbeatable Benefits of Scriptless Test Automation

#01 No Technical Obligations

With scriptless test automation, you will never have any setbacks because of not knowing the technical aspects like coding, integration, etc. Instead, you can simply write and turn all your test cases by tapping on buttons and building software testing logic. The code will be automatically written in the backend by the tool itself.

#02 Quicker Script Design and Development

Your team and you will get the ability to design, develop, and test multiple times, and end up getting a ton of bugs much faster using a scriptless test automation system compared to manual testing or coding. This will save a massive chunk of your company’s time and give you the confidence to take up more projects simultaneously, which will skyrocket your revenue and eventually your profits too.

In simple terms, scriptless test automation can help your business grow exponentially within a few months.

#03 Easy and Quick Automation

Even oversized test suites may be automated quickly and easily with scriptless test automation technologies. However, because the automation process is speedier, the product’s time-to-market is reduced, and delivery is also accelerated.

With very little time spent on building automation, the testing team has more time to accomplish higher test coverage, which improves issue and glitch identification throughout the early stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

#04 Reduces Automation Cost

Scriptless test automation saves firms money by eliminating the need to hire programming resources or specialists to train testers. The scriptless tools are simple to use and may be used by manual testers who can create scripts using objects and actions.

The QA and test automation processes are more efficient since scriptless automation eliminates tool-specific coding. Companies, too, don’t require Selenium, Quick Test Professional (QTP), and similar tools.

It’s also worth noting that, due to the low learning curve of scriptless test automation tools, even non-techie professionals (such as business analysts and other subject matter experts) who aren’t typically involved in programming tasks can participate in automation, track and review test scripts, and develop QA strategies.

#05 Easy Maintenance and Highly Reliable

Since the maintenance phase is one of the most significant components of the product development lifecycle, ease of maintenance of all the test suites is an essential feature of scriptless test automation.

Because elements like reusability and traceability of the framework aren’t taken into account from the start in a scripted method, test automation may fail at the maintenance level.

Scriptless automation technologies that are carefully built maintain the traceability of all reusable components, increasing the possibility of object-oriented test automation.

When a change happens in the product under test, modifications to the test suites are also easy to incorporate in scriptless testing, enhancing agility and reaction times.

#06 Decrease in Testing Cycles

Scriptless test automation technologies aid in the reduction of the testing cycle while maintaining test quality.

They also make the testing process more manageable and accessible by reducing the time it takes to test an application to keep up with the speed of Agile development and reliably deliver software.

Testing can be done concurrently with the development process, resulting in a smoother QA procedure after the SDLC.

#07 Eliminate the need for Tool-Specific Coding

With scriptless test automation in your toolkit, you will not be required to learn any specific coding language that is limited to just one or several tools. You will only need to know basic English and software testing logic to build an entire test case without writing a single line of code manually.

#08 Accurate

You might be aware of how necessary software testing is for any software; and even if you leave an error, it will hurdle the user experience and can burn the image of your software, so testing is necessary.

But the problem with manual testing is that it is manual, i.e.; humans like us do it and even if they do the level best, the chances are that some bugs might be left.

Still, in the market, some awesome automation testing software like testgird.io are available to test any complex application very accurately, so with automation testing software, changes of error are zero.

#09 Saves Overall Testing Time in a Project

Scriptless automation testing software saves you time, as manual testing software takes time, you need to contact the testing team again and again, which takes more time and effort.

With automation testing software; you can save a huge chunk of your time and do all your testing just with a few mouse clicks.

#10 Makes Your Business Profitable

In any business, profit is the most important more the profit you can make the longer the business you can take, and if you own or work with a software firm; you must know that a firm spends most of its money acquiring more human assets.

Also, you might be aware that manual software testers charge a good amount of money for testing also if hired on a freelance basis you might need to give money for every project.

And this can be really expensive to do over and over again!

But with automation testing software like TestGrid which is available at a very low cost, you can save a ton of money in the long run at the same time you can use the TestGrid tool for multiple software and websites, you can also use automation tools for updates as well.

#11 Easy to Use

Automation testing tools like TestGrid.io have a very easy user interface that; even if you have zero programming knowledge, you can perform testing by simply giving instructions in simple English.

From the basic level of testing like smoke testing to the advanced level of testing. You can also perform this with a scriptless automation tool. It provides the best testing environment according to the application. A detailed testing report is also provided.

With features like cloud infrastructure, and integration of all tools in one so you do not need to shift from one application to another, many more features are available in the TestGrid.io automation tool.

So from the early level of software testing to the advanced level of testing; you can do this with automation testing tools without writing a single code.

#12 Use at Every Step

Firms hire a software tester at the end, i.e. when the application is ready; but that’s not a great practice as it takes lots of time and delays the whole process.

With automation testing software, you can perform automation testing at every step of your software, so testing goes hand in hand with software development.

General Features of Scriptless Platforms

Traditionally, Automated Testing necessitates the creation of complicated scripts, which necessitates strong engineering skills. Furthermore, these test scripts are “brittle,” meaning they break as the program changes or runs on multiple devices.

Scriptless automation platforms have this appeal. They provide enterprises with a cost-effective and straightforward way to leverage the benefits of Automated Testing without the complexity or cost of script development.

As a result, while choosing a mobile Scriptless Automation platform, it’s critical to make sure that:

• Test scripts can be built using a simple “no-code” approach.

• The test scripts can run on various devices and operating systems without causing problems.

• To avoid vendor lock-in, test scripts might be exported in an open standard (e.g. Appium).

Deployment choices (private cloud, public cloud, on-premises), Supported platforms, Testing on real devices, Automation Testing support (Selenium or Appium), Script Customization, and Cost are all variables to consider when assessing Scriptless Test Automation systems.

A tool should require less maintenance, be simple to configure and provide increased efficiency. The tool should be chosen based on your company’s requirements.

3 Common Myths about Scriptless Automation Testing

Myth #01: There is no need for the script

This isn’t entirely accurate, though the goal is to make it completely code-free, this is nearly impossible to do.

The presence of diverse complexities in the Application Under Test (AUT), technologies, and programming languages utilized in designing the software is the fundamental reason for this. As a result, one of the design goals we highlighted is to provide customization freedom.

Myth #02: SAF requires no programming or coding experience from the testers

Again, this isn’t entirely accurate; they do, however, necessitate a rudimentary understanding of programming and logical skills.

When it comes to web or mobile applications, testers must also be familiar with the fundamentals of objects and classes that must be incorporated in bespoke scripts.

Some programs, such as TestCraft, do not necessitate coding skills on the part of the QA professional. Anyone can grasp how to perform tests using drag and drop and on-the-fly features.

Myth #03: SAF is all about record and playback which can be relied on

No. Recording and playing back will only provide the user with a working script with hardcoded input and flow values that must be changed afterward.

In any case, it does not cover all possible user input scenarios or test procedures.

Scriptless Test Automation Approach

Design Goals

#01 COMPLETELY INPUT DRIVEN

Any input required to execute automated tests should be provided outside your automation framework’s ‘code’ section. Your test steps, test settings, test data, expected results, and so on can all be used as input.

Every sort of input should be supported by the framework in the form of simple keywords to use and thus comprehend the context.

#02 CUSTOMIZATION

This implies that experienced users should have the ability to alter the handling of test scripts to include unique scenarios. For example, advanced users can use the framework’s test input to plug in their test scripts (in the form of a program).

#03 SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND CONFIGURE

This is a critical design goal since learning to set up, configure, and operate an automation framework should not be as complex as learning to code.

One example would be to give a template with all of the necessary test inputs pre-filled with set values (but relevant to the context).

Users would readily understand how to give test inputs depending on their application requirements in this manner. Another option is to provide the test inputs with a high level of abstraction.

Consider the simulation of a button being pressed. As a user, I’m just concerned with a straightforward action: clicking a button.

#04 PLATFORM NEUTRAL

It must be able to run on various PC and mobile platforms. In the case of scriptless automation designed for web applications, different browsers are used. In addition, it would help to enable standard test inputs across platforms as part of this goal.

#05 NON-TECHNOLOGICAL

We are all aware that technology is broad and has numerous possibilities for developing applications in today’s world.

The automation framework must be capable of testing those apps with minimal or no changes to test inputs and the framework engine itself, regardless of what technology was used to construct the application under test (under a specified application type such as web or mobile).

#06 AGNOSTIC TEST ENVIRONMENT

It should be able to run in a virtualized cloud and on-premises environment.

#07 ADAPTABLE

To cover complex test situations, we should provide alternatives for plugging in other software components.

Let’s say you have an e-commerce website with both a front-end application and web services, and you want to test the functionality and performance of your application. This requirement would almost certainly necessitate the use of plug-ins for tools that can assess web services and website performance.

Implementation Requirements Insights

Let’s look at the high-level architectural components of the Scriptless Automation Framework before we go into implementation details.

Scriptless Automation Framework Architectural Components

There are three major components (of course, the components can be subdivided further, but that isn’t the point here!) that we’ll look at to gain a sense of the framework as a whole:

#01 FRAMEWORK CORE ENGINE

This is the framework’s core component that handles all of the heavy liftings in automation logic, validations, and interfaces to the rest of the architecture’s components and third-party apps/scripts for customized test configuration and executions.

The action handler receives all test input actions and processes them on the AUT (Application Under Test). Therefore, it’s critical to choose the right programming skills and technology for this engine while considering the design goals listed above.

You will be able to accomplish most of your design goals if you use the right technology, and you will be able to provide the best potential benefits to the automation framework’s users.

#02 TEST INPUT INTERFACE

From the consumer’s perspective, this is the front-end component where you would supply all of your test inputs such as test case stages, test conditions, test data, expected outcomes, and so on.

Remember the goal of simplicity in design; this component should be developed so that users may rapidly adapt and begin utilizing your framework. If you don’t achieve this goal, your framework will be used less frequently.

The interpreter is the interface to the core engine, and it usually follows a protocol to share information on test inputs.

#03 TEST OUTPUT INTERFACE

This component is in charge of generating test results, test logs, defect recording, reporting, and dashboards. The output logger receives the results from the framework core engine, subsequently rendered by the Output interface.

Consumers would likely interact with the Test input and Test output interfaces from the above components. As a result, we’ll focus solely on these two elements.

5 Best Tools for Scriptless Test Automation

#01 Ranorex Studio

Ranorex Studio has a comprehensive collection of scriptless test automation tools for testing desktop, web, and mobile apps. Automate tests in half the time it takes with conventional methods.

Key features:

• Ranorex Recorder: Record every interaction you have with your app. You can pause and resume recording, edit steps, and add validation actions in the capture window.

• Action Editor: Without coding, edit recorded steps, add validations, specify execution conditions and use data from an Excel file or a database.

• Ranorex Spy: Use a single click to identify UI elements, then drag & drop them into your test case. Any dynamic web elements are handled automatically by Ranorex Studio.

• Selenium WebDriver is built-in using a WebDriver endpoint, a local Selenium Grid, or a cloud-based service to run cross-browser testing.

• Video reporting and test run reports of test execution are built-in. Rerun the video to see what went wrong if a test step fails. To start directly with the test case and debug it, click on a forgotten stage in the test report.

Ranorex Studio also has an integrated development environment (IDE), allowing you to augment your test cases with code if needed.

#02 Selenium IDE

Selenium IDE is a free and open-source test automation tool that records and replays. It is available as a Chrome or Firefox plugin and is suitable for startups and freelancers. The Command-line Runner for Selenium IDE allows for cross-browser execution.

Selenium IDE focuses on recording and replaying features. Despite its limitations, the tool can serve as an excellent scriptless Test Automation tool.

Key features:

• Control flow structures such as if, while, and times are supported.

• Plugins can be used to expand the tool.

• The Selenium IDE test cases you write will be reusable.

• You will be able to develop a test suite with it.

• It can record numerous locators for each element with which it interacts.

• You will be able to customize the test script as well.

#03 ACCELQ

It is a sophisticated AI-driven test automation tool that is simple to use.

Without writing a single line of code, ACCELQ is the first cloud-based continuous testing tool that effortlessly automates API and web testing. As a result, IT teams of all sizes use ACCELQ to automate essential components of the testing lifecycle, such as test design, planning, creation, and execution.

Customers of ACCELQ often save over 70% of the cost of change and maintenance efforts in testing, addressing one of the industry’s most significant pain areas. ACCELQ enables self-healing automation with its AI-powered core, among other unique capabilities.

With a constant drive to speed testing and increase delivered Quality for its customers, ACCELQ’s continuous innovation methodology places a strong emphasis on design and user experience.

Key features:

• Design and lifecycle automation using visual application modeling.

• UI automation and codeless API in the same flow.

• Data planning and automated test case generation.

• Multiple abstraction layers for in-sprint automation.

• Test management and planning skills are built-in.

• With natural traceability, seamless CI/CD and Jira/ALM connection is possible.

• For reliable automation, combine the power of self-healing with a runtime analytic engine.

• There is no vendor lock-in, and the framework is open-source aligned.

#04 Avo Assure

Avo Assure is an intelligent and technology-agnostic solution that provides over 90% automation coverage without writing a single line of code.

Because it is heterogeneous, it allows both technical and business users to test across various platforms, including web, mobile, desktop, ERP applications, mainframes, and more. These tools enable teams to test more in less time while still delivering high-quality software.

Key features:

• Using a 100% no-code method, create and execute test scenarios. The user-friendly interface makes testing even easier.

• Use a single solution to test cases for web, Windows, mobile platforms (Android and iOS), non-UI (web services, batch processes), ERPs, mainframe systems, and associated emulators.

• With a single click, you can enable accessibility testing for your applications. It complies with WCAG 2.0, Section 508, and ARIA guidelines.

• The Mindmaps tool allows you to visualize your whole testing hierarchy, develop test plans, and build test cases.

• Reduce testing time and effort with the SAP Test Accelerator pack, which includes 100s of pre-built test cases and is intended explicitly for SAP.

• Execute many scenarios on a single VM independently or in parallel using the clever scheduling and execution capability.

• Integrations with Jira, ALM, Jenkins, TFS, QTest, and other SDLC and CI systems are available. It also works well with Avo Discover, our process discovery tool, which uses a no-code approach to help you document processes.

• It can run on Linux as well.

• Through intelligent reporting, you can get a video of the test execution and a screenshot of each step through intelligent reporting.

#05 ZapTest

ZapTest is an Enterprise Solution that helps you optimize your test automation by reducing scripting, automating documentation, and running tests in parallel.

The tool will allow you to run scripts on all test environments simultaneously. Through video scenarios and textual references, it will simplify your test automation.

Key features:

• This platform generates a script that you may use on a computer, phone, or tablet.

• It can come in handy to automate UI and API tests.

• You can work with both VBScript and JavaScript.

• It automatically creates the test documentation.

• Test any UI and API interface with it.

• Write Test scripts for live apps, mockups, video scenarios, and textual references.

Scriptless Test Automation Examples

Assume you want to automate the following Payment Transaction Flow:

• Select Account type

• Enter the amount for goods purchased

• Enter PIN

• Print Receipt

SelectAccount Credit

EnterAmount INR2000

EnterPIN 4321, mask=true

PrintReceipt Customercopy=false, Merchantcopy=true

The italicized words are keywords that receive arguments to conduct actions.

Note that EnterPIN takes two parameters. The second is a flag indicating whether PIN digits are hidden as they are input in the PIN entry area. PrintReceipt has two arguments as well.

This is a typical transaction flow, as you can see in the diagram above. For example, you may use the complete sequence as a “transaction test template” for various test cases. This is how you make it simple for testers to create test steps and test inputs.

Scriptless Automation Framework allows you to reuse keywords, groups of keywords, and flow-based keywords (SAF).

Conclusion

A Scriptless automation tool is the solution for enhancing your testing process. As testing used to be a tedious job, script or manual automation is history, and the present, and future of software testing is scriptless automation testing.

The firms that have used our automation tool have got significant results; not just their profit margins have gone up.

Still, it has enhanced the software automation process. They have got more accurate results, and they cannot provide fast software updates.

Published at Hasnode by Rohit Wadhwani. See the original article here.