Page 142 - SOFTWARE TESTING & QUALITY ASSURANCE

Unit 9: Automation Testing

A huge number of macro record and playback programs are available in the market, so you can select
the one which fits your needs. Macro recorders and players are a type of driver tool. We know that
drivers are the tools used to control and operate the software being tested. The same process is
performed when working with macros. The recorded macros are played back, repeating the actions that
were performed to test the software.

Macros can be effectively used to perform automation testing, making the work of a tester easy and fast.
However, they are not considered perfect for testing, the reason being the lack of verification. The
macros are unable to check the purpose of the software. Though this is a serious issue, macros are still a
favorite tool for a few testers. This is because macros can get rid of all the repetitive typing and mouse
moving. Hence, the tester just needs to run the macros and substantiate that the results are as expected.
Another issue with macros is the playback speed. Though the speed of the playback can be adjusted, it
is quite difficult to keep the macros coordinated.

Let us assume that a web page takes 20 seconds to load. The speed of the
macros can be adjusted to keep a track of the expected worst case. This could
give rise to a problem, that is, the software may run fast and the macros would
be slow. If a situation arises, wherein the page takes more time to get loaded
(than the expected time), the macros would end up clicking the wrong things at
the wrong time.

Programmed Macros
Programmed macros were designed to provide a better feature than the simple record and playback
variety. It is advisable to create macros using simple instructions for the playback system to follow,
rather than creating a programmed macro by recording the actions. The benefit of using programmed
macros over macro recording and playback is that the programmed macros can save time as they do not
depend on absolute delays but wait for certain conditions to occur before they go on. The macro
language is simple and easy to use. It also provides generic commands which prompt the tester for
information. However, following are the few important points to be considered for programmed
macros:
1. Programmed macros can only loop and repeat
2. Variables and decision statements are not available
3. The tester cannot check the results automatically
Hence, a more advanced automated testing tool is required for the testing process

9.2 Random Testing
Random testing is a type of functional testing. This form of testing is used when the problem is complex
and it is difficult to test every combination. The release criteria can include a statement that shows the
amount of random testing required. There are a few random testing techniques applicable for a project.
Every project has its own criteria and accordingly a random testing technique is used. But the testing
techniques are mentioned in the test plan.
Mentioned below are the main types of random testing techniques:
1. Random Input Data Generation: This testing is carried out when a new functionality is added to
an application. For testing the same, the tester will randomly generate date for all existing and
new fields in the application being tested.

GenerateData is a free open source script that helps to generate large volumes
of custom data. It has been written in JavaScript, PHP and MySQL.
DBMonster helps to generate random test data and inserts it into SQL database.

2. Random Sequence of Data Input: This type of random testing is also known as stochastic testing.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 135