The 6 Principles of Test Automation

Test automation is a process that utilizes software tools and scripts to automatically conduct tests during the development phase, enhancing efficiency and providing quick feedback on software quality. Unlike manual testing, which is labor-intensive and often conducted late in the production cycle, automated testing allows for continuous feedback, enabling developers to identify and address issues early in the process. This practice not only reduces the risk of introducing failures but also aids in understanding the system by providing examples of how parts of the code should function. Automated tests should be easy to write, run, and maintain, with features like idempotency, independence, and determinism ensuring they are reliable and efficient. While test automation cannot wholly replace manual testing, it complements it by handling repeatable, high-value checks, leaving exploratory and UX assessments to manual methods. Incorporating these practices into a CI/CD pipeline can serve as a quality gate, ensuring that software is robust and reliable before deployment.