Software Architect's Handbook

Automatability

Automatability is the level to which a process or action can be automated. If a system exhibits automatability, then automated tests can be created and executed for the system. Automated testing utilizes pre-scripted tests that can then be executed automatically. These tests can be run at any time, such as before a code check-in or prior to a build taking place. If automated builds are in place, automated tests can be executed as part of that process.

Automated tests give you quick feedback on whether a new defect was introduced into the system. As we just noted, discovering a defect as close to when it was introduced is highly beneficial. When designing a software system, you should seek to increase automatability, as the ...