February 2015 Summaries

This article explains how to integrate automated visual testing into existing Selenium tests using Applitools Eyes. The goal is to add a layer of visual checks to the test, ensuring that the application's UI matches expectations across different browsers and platforms. By leveraging Applitools Eyes, developers can easily capture screenshots and perform visual checks at specific points in the test workflow. The article provides an example of how to modify an existing Selenium test to include these visual checks, using Java as the programming language. It also discusses how to run the test against other browsers and operating systems using Sauce Labs, a cloud-based platform for cross-browser testing. The expected outcome is that the test will execute successfully, performing visual checks at specified points and returning URLs to failed jobs in either Applitools Eyes or Sauce Labs.

BlazeMeter has released a white paper on continuous testing, which leverages cloud and open source technology to bring better testing for DevOps and Agile practices. The platform pairs with Sauce Labs' test cloud and other services like New Relic to provide a full spectrum of tests that help ensure application quality. With BlazeMeter's continuous testing as a service, teams can now test in hours, not days, eliminating friction and human error, and identify problems immediately. The solution supports scripting and overall test creation with DevOps-friendly tools and languages, and provides provisioning and resources for running tests on different environments. It also integrates seamlessly into existing reporting solutions like Jenkins Performance Trend and New Relic, and offers alerts in case of failures. Additionally, the platform is version control friendly and supports incremental testing to associate test configurations with versions.

The idea that browser automation scripts need to be written in the same language as the application itself is a common myth that can lead to failed automation efforts. While it may make sense for developers who implemented specific features to write their browser automation scripts in the same language, this is not always the case. In reality, many teams lack programming skills or are rusty, and teaching them a new language can be challenging. Instead, languages such as Python, Ruby, and PHP are often more effective for getting teams up and running on browser automation quickly and efficiently. The key is to choose a language that makes sense for the team writing and maintaining the scripts, rather than adhering to a specific language due to perceived snobbery or tradition.

Sauce Labs has secured $15 million in Series D expansion funding to expand its geographic and infrastructure capabilities. The company is experiencing significant growth with over 200 million total tests run on its platform, and 145 percent revenue growth in 2014. The new funding will be used to extend both the company's web application testing offering and mobile testing platform, as well as provide continued backing of Appium, a premier open source mobile automation tool. Additionally, the funding will support infrastructure expansion, development team growth, and international operations. According to Sauce Labs CEO Jim Cerna, automated testing is critical to modern software development, and the new funding will help meet the growing demand for scalable and reliable testing for web and mobile applications. The company's secure and reliable testing infrastructure enables users to run tests written with Selenium and Appium, eliminating time and expense of maintaining a test grid.