September 2019 Summaries

LambdaTest has announced a series of updates aimed at enhancing its cross-browser testing platform, which include geolocation-based testing, support for the latest iOS versions such as iOS 13, and the addition of new devices like the iPhone 11 series. These updates enable users to perform testing from various geographical locations, ensuring that websites render correctly across different regions. The platform now supports the latest browser versions, including Safari 13, Mozilla Firefox 69 and 70 Beta, and Google Chrome 77 and 78 Dev, allowing testers to assess compatibility with new features such as CSS conic gradients. Additionally, new devices have been added for automated screenshot testing, including models from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi, providing a wider scope for testing across different screen resolutions. LambdaTest has also introduced in-app notifications to keep users updated on platform changes, emphasizing its commitment to continuous improvement and user convenience.

LambdaTest has introduced a feature in its Automated Screenshot Testing tool that allows users to capture screenshots of web pages that require login authentication, a much-requested capability. This feature enables users to bypass a website's login form and capture screenshots of web pages post-login without having to write automation test scripts, using a point-and-click interface instead. Users can create Login Profiles that store the necessary login information, including Login URL, Locators, and Credentials, to automate the login process. Each account can maintain up to five Login Profiles, with options to edit or delete them as needed. This feature aims to enhance cross-browser testing efficiency and coverage, although it currently only supports desktop browsers and is not available for certain older operating systems. LambdaTest is committed to expanding this functionality to mobile devices and encourages user feedback to improve the feature.

LambdaTest and CloudBeat are collaborating for faster Selenium testing by providing a platform that allows users to fast-track their Selenium testing process using both tools simultaneously. LambdaTest is a browser compatibility testing tool that offers automated cross-browser testing with Selenium Grid of 2000+ real browsers running on real operating systems, while CloudBeat is an open-source test automation framework known as Oxygen, which simplifies automation testing by providing a wrapper for Selenium and Appium. The webinar will demonstrate how users can leverage both tools to expand their browser and devices test coverage, perform end-to-end testing of web applications, and get detailed test reports about the execution of automation scripts from Oxygen on LambdaTest Selenium automation.

Integrating LambdaTest with Calliope.pro enhances collaborative efforts in software development by allowing teams to share and analyze test results effectively. LambdaTest provides a cloud-based platform for cross-browser testing with over 3000 browser and OS combinations, which is crucial for ensuring product quality and compatibility. Calliope, on the other hand, offers a dashboard for sharing, monitoring, and comparing automation test results, supporting various frameworks and providing a unified view of test cycles. The integration involves using APIs to fetch test session details from LambdaTest and importing them into Calliope, providing stakeholders with comprehensive insights into the test builds and facilitating easy regression checks. This setup allows automation testers to present clear, concise reports, contributing to faster and more informed decision-making during product development cycles.

The article by Ramit Dhamija explores the common pitfalls that lead to the failure of test automation in web applications, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and the need for balance between automation and manual testing. Dhamija highlights that issues such as impractical automation goals, insufficient understanding of manual testing, improper management, lack of collaboration, and inadequate resource planning often result in inefficient test automation processes. He stresses the significance of selecting appropriate tools, maintaining dynamic test suites, and understanding when and what to automate to maximize the effectiveness of automation efforts. Moreover, Dhamija points out that failing to analyze test reports, ignoring false positives and negatives, and not leveraging parallel execution can hinder the process. He concludes by suggesting that a careful, informed approach towards automation can increase productivity and software quality, while cautioning against both hasty implementation and excessive fear of automation challenges.

LambdaTest has expanded its cross-browser testing capabilities by adding the latest Google Chrome versions—76, 77 Beta, and 78 Dev—to enhance browser coverage in testing workflows. This update aims to improve the speed and efficiency of live interactive testing, which is crucial for modern software development life cycles like Agile, where quick release cycles are common. LambdaTest has optimized its platform to reduce machine launch times by half, providing a faster testing experience. The company is committed to integrating more features, such as third-party tool integrations for project management and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI-CD), to support its users better. They recently added integration with Breeze and are focused on continually updating their offerings to keep pace with technological advancements.

Smashtest is a new programming language designed to accelerate automated testing cycles by allowing testers to write tests in a simple, tree-like format that can be up to ten times faster than traditional methods. It integrates seamlessly with the Selenium framework, enabling rapid deployment and execution of automated tests across multiple browsers and devices. Smashtest supports advanced features such as live reporting, parallel test execution, and easy-to-understand human-readable steps, making it accessible for UI and API level testing. It offers capabilities for setting browser options, managing viewport sizes for responsive testing, and performing API testing. The language allows for efficient cross-browser testing, especially when used in conjunction with cloud-based platforms like LambdaTest, which enables testing across numerous browser and OS combinations without the need for extensive infrastructure setup. By incorporating software engineering principles such as version control, debugging, and step blocks, Smashtest enhances the scalability and maintainability of test scripts, thereby optimizing the automation testing process.

LambdaTest has announced its integration with Breeze, a project management tool, to enhance collaboration and efficiency in cross-browser testing. Breeze offers features like Gantt charts, kanban boards, task management, and time tracking, allowing users to manage projects seamlessly and track progress and deadlines across multiple platforms. The integration simplifies bug reporting by enabling testers to log UI bugs directly into Breeze during their testing sessions on LambdaTest, with details automatically populated into the project. LambdaTest continues to expand its integrations with various third-party tools to improve the testing process, encouraging users to try the new Breeze integration and provide feedback.