Exploring Keyword Driven Test Automation Framework
Exploring Keyword Driven Test Automation Framework
Keyword-driven testing and table-driven testing are interchangeable terms that refer to a keyword driven test automation framework. This framework requires the development of data tables and keywords, independent of the test automation tool used to execute them and the test script code that "drives" the application-under-test and the data. Keyword-driven test structure look very similar to manual test cases as they are documented in a table in the form of step-by-step instructions. There are various forms of designing a keyword driven test automation framework and it is highly advisable to exploit the complete functionality of the tool while finalizing the usability of any such framework.
Merits of keyword driven test automation framework
The merits of the Keyword Driven Testing are as follows,
The detailed test plan can be defined in Spreadsheet format containing all input and verification data.
If "utility" scripts can be created by someone proficient in the automated tool's scripting language prior to the detail test plan being written, then the tester can use the Automated Test Tool immediately, without needing to master the Scripting language.
As the tools user interface and inherent functionalities are used to develop and use the keywords, the tester needs to select the right "Keyword" required, and the specific format to use within the Test Plan. This allows the tester to be productive with the test tool very quickly, and allows more extensive training in the test tool to be scheduled at a more convenient time.
Demerits of keyword driven test automation framework
The demerits of the Keyword Driven Testing are as follows,
Development of "customized" (Application-Specific) functions and utilities requires proficiency in the tool's scripting language. (Note that this is also true for any method)
Keyword driven test automation framework comparatively requires very little code to generate test cases. The data tables are used to generate the individual test cases while the same code is reused. A keyword driven test automation framework solution that leverages the keywords from function test to the system test phase will help expedite the testing process. An effective keyword framework should be capable enough to allow the test designer to combine function-level keywords into system-level keywords.
