Automated testing is an essential part of the modern app development process, providing a framework for developers to ensure the quality of the application and identify bugs at the earliest stage. The conventional approach to writing automated tests implied the need to code in languages such as Java or Python. 

Nevertheless, several new scriptless automation tools have appeared over the past few years that enable creating tests without programming. These no-code test automation tools leverage intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and enable even the team members who are not developers to create automated tests.

Integrations with CI/CD pipelines enable the use of test automation at different stages. Compared to code tests, codeless tests are faster to build, easier to maintain, and more stable as they contain built-in synchronization logic.

Let’s walk through the process of creating strong automated tests that do not require writing code using the latest no-code automated test platforms. We will cover the main rules and concepts you must follow to use test automation efficiently. The intention is to guide testers to utilize automated testing to its full potential with the right choice of tools. This allows for early detection of regressions, bug prevention, and quick development cycles.

Choosing a Codeless Test Automation Tool

The first step in establishing a reliable test automation framework is selecting the right codeless automation tool. In this space, there are many options to evaluate. As you evaluate different options in the toolbox, you’ll need to pay attention to a number of important factors.

An important aspect is the range of test types that are supported, such as API, web, mobile, unit, and end-to-end. Go for a tool that can automate different types of tests under the same solution. This leads to consolidated reporting, execution management, and maintenance. Also assess how intuitive and easy to use the tool’s interface is for building tests visually. You need the facilities of point and click as well as drag and drop for non-programmers to build automated checks with no need to program.

Moreover, check the tools’ built-in object recognition mechanisms and the synchronization logic that affect the tests in terms of resilience and maintenance needs. Evaluate the integration capabilities with prevalent CI/CD servers and pipelines, plus analytics and reporting functionality. The future tools will be equipped with the ability to heal objects automatically, use AI to maintain tests and generate tests automatically.

Keep in mind that to test the suggested scriptless automation tools using real-life situations that are common in your field. The intended solution should be simple enough for the team to adopt but provide complex features for complicated test cases. It should be compatible with the environment and be integrated into the development pipeline. Spending time upfront to do the job right of choosing a suitable codeless test automation platform that works as a foundation for creating a quality and long-lasting test automation suite. 

Developing a Reusable Test Lib

A best practice in test automation is creating a reusable library of components such as templates, functions, and modules. This makes it easier to maintain and helps to develop new tests. With a codeless automation tool you can create reusable test building blocks with actions you record, custom scripts you create visually, and an object repository containing page element locators. Group related actions into tasks with descriptive names. 

Storing common assertion logic and helper functions in scripts is recommended. Develop a centralized object repository for web page objects. Adhere to naming standards and documentation guidelines to arrange your test library components in a proper manner.

Implementing Effective Locator Strategies

A solid test automation framework depends on the well-implemented locator strategies that will precisely identify page elements during test execution. You either visually create IDs such as CSS, XPath, ID, link text, etc., or employ the best locator logic that would include using unique IDs, avoiding nested XPaths, and using descriptive, stable attributes like name, role, and test ID.

Organize your object repositories in such a way that it would be easier to maintain them. For web app testing, implement a page object model approach utilizing a repository for each page with its elements.

Creating Modular and Reusable Test Cases

Apply modular test principles as you construct test cases to ensure reusability during web app testing. Break down test cases into smaller chunks of logical and physical steps that can be combined in different ways.

Use capabilities like the tool’s scripting engine to build parameterized and data-driven modules in which you can input different data. Define common behaviors in reusable function libraries. Use modular object repositories, templates, and utility scripts that are reusable for different tests. Use consistent naming rules for simple classification.

Integrating with Continuous Integration

For automated testing to provide value, it has to be integrated into the app delivery lifecycle. Now, you can perform test automation without coding and simply add it within the CI/CD workflows.

Set up your test automation framework in such a way that it runs during the CI build. Leverage the built-in integrations with top CI servers for the effortless triggering of test runs. Run regression test suites during overnight builds to catch defects. Give test results and notifications through CI dashboard views, email notifications, and chat messaging.

Enabling Collaboration Between Teams

One of the benefits of using codeless test automation is the ability to collaborate in different roles. Testers can create automated tests without programming. Domain experts can write test cases that reflect business requirements. Testers come under the visibility of managers.

Leverage capabilities like shareable object repositories, reusable test modules, and CI integrations to boost collaboration. Management gets the visibility of test coverage, statuses, and progress. Testers create test cases with the click of a button. Business analysts provide requirements. Developers handle the complicated logic part. This teamwork results in the most efficient test automation rather than isolated efforts during web app testing. 

Codeless test automation allows teams to run automated checks without using any code. Applying techniques such as creating reusable libraries, implementing flake elimination, integrating with CI, and adopting an iterative approach increases the benefits of automated testing.