book

Test Automation Engineering Handbook

by Manikandan Sambamurthy

January 2023

Beginner to intermediate

276 pages

6h 31m

English

Packt Publishing

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ContributorsAbout the authorAbout the reviewers
Who this book is forWhat this book coversTo get the most out of this bookConventions usedDownload the example code filesGet in touchShare Your ThoughtsDownload a free PDF copy of this book
Getting familiar with software testingKnowing the importance of testingTasks involved in testingTesting in an worldDefect management in testingShift-Right and Shift-Left propositionsQuality and DevOpsChallenges in testingTest early, test oftenUnderstanding test automationAgile test automationTest automation challengesFinding and handling regression bugsTest automation metricsExploring the roles in quality engineeringTest automation engineerSDETFamiliarizing yourself with common terminologies and definitionsSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsKnowing your test automation strategyTest automation objectivesGathering management supportDefining the scope of test automationTest automation environmentImplementing an Agile test automation strategyReporting the test resultsDevising a good test automation strategySelecting the right tools and trainingStandards of the test automation frameworkTesting in the cloudUnderstanding the test pyramidUnit/component testsIntegration/API testsE2E/System/UI testsStructuring the test cyclesFamiliarizing ourselves with common design patternsUsing design patterns in test automationSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsThe basic tools for every automation engineerThe CLIGitCommon test automation frameworksSeleniumAppiumCypressJMeterAXEChoosing the right tool/frameworkSelecting a performance testing toolSelecting an API testing toolSelecting a web testing toolMobileCommon considerationsSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsGetting more familiar with GitCommitting a changeResolving merge conflictsAdditional Git commandsUsing an IDEChoosing an IDEDownloading and setting up VS CodeIntroduction to JavaScriptWhy learn JavaScript?Running a JavaScript programJavaScript basicsSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsWhy Cypress?Installing and setting up CypressCreating your first test in CypressCreating arrow functions in JavaScriptCreating callback functions in JavaScriptWriting our first specBecoming familiar with the spec structureExecuting our first specEmploying selectors and assertionsWorking with selectorsAsserting on selectorsIntercepting API callsAdditional configurationsConsiderations for web automationLimitations of CypressWeb automation considerationsSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsGetting to know AppiumWhat is Appium?Advantages of using AppiumKnowing WebdriverIO and its advantagesSetting up Appium and WebdriverIOAppium installationConfiguring an Android emulatorConfiguring WebdriverIO with AppiumWebdriverIO Android configurationAppium Inspector installation and configurationWriting our first mobile testJavaScript functions with async/awaitFirst Appium/WebdriverIO testKey considerations for mobile automationAreas of complexityiOS-specific considerationsOptimizing our mobile automation frameworkSummaryQuestions

Technical requirementsGetting started with PostmanBasics of REST API testingDownloading the Postman applicationCreating and managing workspacesSending GET and POST requestsMaking a GET API requestMaking a POST API requestOrganizing API requests using collectionsWriting automated API testsUsing snippets for asserting an API responseUnderstanding Postman variablesChaining API requestsVarious ways to execute testsKey considerations for API automationEffective API test automationTesting GraphQL versus REST APIsSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsGetting started with JMeterWhat is JMeter and how does it work?Installing JMeterAutomating a performance testBuilding and running our first performance testWorking with assertionsWorking with tests via the command lineUsing the HTTP(S) Test Script RecorderJava essentials for JMeterA quick introduction to JavaUsing the JSR233 assertionConsiderations for performance testingSummaryQuestions
Technical requirementsWhat is CI/CD?CI/CD processCI basicsCD and deployment pipelineTest automation strategies for CI/CDUnit/component testsAPI testsE2E tests (API and UI)Smoke testsAddressing test failuresGitHub Actions CI/CDSummaryQuestions
Recurrent issues in test automationUnrealistic expectations of automated testingInadequate manual testingNot focusing on automating the right thingsA lack of understanding of the system under testOverlooking test maintenanceNot choosing the right toolsUnder-investing in test environmentsTaking a siloed approachNot taking a lean approachNot having a plan for test data needsTest automation anti-patternsCoding and design anti-patterns in test automationProcess-oriented anti-patterns in test automationSummaryQuestions
How API mocking worksMocking API calls using PostmanConsiderations for API mockingSummary
Chapter 1, Introduction to Test AutomationChapter 2, Test Automation StrategyChapter 3, Common Tools and FrameworksChapter 4, Getting Started with the BasicsChapter 5, Test Automation for WebChapter 6, Test Automation for MobileChapter 7, Test Automation for APIsChapter 8, Test Automation for PerformanceChapter 9, CI/CD and Test AutomationChapter 10, Common Issues and Pitfalls
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Overview

The 'Test Automation Engineering Handbook' is a practical guide for professionals looking to master the field of test automation. Through comprehensive sections, you'll dive into understanding test automation fundamentals, implementing effective strategies for various platforms, and integrating with CI/CD workflows-gaining valuable insights and skills.

What this Book will help me do

Understand the core principles of test automation and its importance in software quality assurance.
Acquire the ability to design and implement robust test automation frameworks for web, mobile, API, and performance testing.
Be proficient in utilizing popular test automation tools and applying essential design patterns in practical scenarios.
Learn how to integrate test automation processes with CI/CD workflows to ensure continuous quality.
Identify and address common challenges and pitfalls in test automation to enhance productivity and reliability.

Author(s)

Manikandan Sambamurthy is an experienced test automation engineer with a passion for teaching and helping others upskill in the realm of test automation. With years of hands-on experience, including leading projects and solving complex testing challenges, his writing bridges technical expertise with accessible instruction. This book reflects his dedication to sharing knowledge in a practical and applicable way.

Who is it for?

This book is perfect for manual testers aspiring to delve into the world of test automation, as well as developers looking to enhance their understanding and skills in this area. Whether you are starting fresh or amidst your career, the content is structured to uplift your testing and automation capabilities. If you are keen on building quality software using reliable test automation practices, this book is tailored for you.