In today’s digital climate, we’re seeing more developers developing tools to help other developers, well, develop.
The very nature of the software industry lends to the perpetual creation of programming tools.
As demand for digital products grows and innovation in the tech world continues to reach new heights, tech professionals require more powerful tools than ever to deliver high-performance applications.
The bottom line is, there’s a lot of development going on, especially for tools catering to the quality assurance niche.
Creating bug-free, top-security, crowd-pleasing apps involves thorough quality assurance testing. Automating certain aspects of quality assurance testing using QA tools can save time and money when developing software.
What are the benefits of using QA automation tools? What software testing trends merit your attention? What are some of the best QA automation tools on the market?
Rootstrap is here with an update on the world of automated QA testing.
Why Use QA Automation Tools?
Quality assurance testing is an essential part of software development for start-ups and tech giants alike. From classic web development to complex mobile app creation, QA testing is key to any digital product’s success.
Quality assurance testing works out the bugs, measures performance, gauges security, ensures stability, and helps a digital product reach its user experience goals. Another important function of quality assurance engineers is keeping detailed records of test data, bugs, changes, and updates as the project progresses.
Automated tools can help QA engineers speed up the process by performing monotonous tasks that would otherwise prove time-consuming if done manually. The unmatched precision and consistency afforded by automated tools when executing repetitive tasks make them invaluable to QA professionals.
A wide range of quality assurance tools operate to target different development needs, so it’s essential to identify the tools that make sense for any given project.
Automated vs. Manual QA Testing
Manual QA testing continues to give a human touch to quality-control. Quality assurance engineers carefully monitor digital products' development, ensuring the methods, security, functionality, and security are up to standards. The ultimate goal is to deliver the best user experience possible while protecting the product owner’s interests and return on investment.
While there are specific roles, only human QA testers can fill, automated quality assurance testing methods are gaining traction. Using automated testing tools to check for bugs and track performance is a way for QA engineers to boost efficiency and accuracy.
Functional and Non-Functional QA Testing
Quality assurance tests fall into two basic categories, helping to quantify and qualify the overall success of a software prototype and identify areas that require improvement. These categories include functional and non-functional quality assurance testing.
Functional quality assurance testing focuses on ensuring all the features of a digital product perform up to standards. To measure functionality, a QA team must first define project goals, including what is expected from the product. Then, as strategic tests are run, the engineers can determine how the app’s performance compares to its pre-established expectations.
Non-functional QA testing is centered around the app’s compacity and compliance with industry standards. These tests determine how intuitive an application is and measure how it handles under stress, in the face of security threats, when experiencing increased traffic, and more.
There are high-functioning QA tools for testing both functional and non-functional aspects of a software piece as it develops.
Software Testing Trends
In the competitive industry of software development, staying up on QA testing trends is vital. Dynamic QA engineers must have a pulse on industry best practices, methods, standards, and of course, tools.
For example, when the American Software Testing Qualifications Board surveyed a large pool of QA testers about their predictions for 2020 QA testing trends, many professionals forecasted that automated testing would trend up along with an increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence.
Current software testing trends include:
- Agile development and DevOps
- Artificial intelligence for QA testing
- Testing across operating systems
- No-code testing
Researching trends and employing cutting-edge QA tools can help developers and QA testers continue to push the envelope with modern software design.
9 Best QA Automation Tools
With so many software testing tools on the market, it can be challenging for QA testers to decide on the best ones.
When comparing QA tools, compare these factors:
- UX/UI - Choose tools that are both visually appealing and intuitive.
- Tech level - Search for QA tools that match your level of tech expertise and coding knowledge.
- Accessibility - Opt for QA tools your team can use across devices, operating systems, and in connection with other tools.
- Functionality - Find powerful tools that are simple to learn and operate and have a reliable tech support system.
- Reporting - Make sure the tool can output detailed reports so you can understand the data and keep a comprehensive record.
- Features - Locate QA tools that work with the programming languages you speak and perform the tests you need.
- Source - Check if the tool was made by a trusted source and ensure it be maintained and updated over time.
- Cost - Subscribe to tools that are worth the expense and will save your team time.
Rootstrap has compiled a non-exhaustive list (in no particular order) of some of the industry’s most popular and powerful quality assurance testing tools.
Here are nine robust quality assurance automation tools to have on your radar:
Appium
Appium has earned its reputation as one of the most stable, free mobile app automation testing tools.
Key features:
- Automates native, mobile web, and hybrid app
- Works with multiple scripting languages
- Supports iOS mobile, Android mobile, and Windows desktop apps
- No subscription cost
- Open-source
- Easy setup but requires advanced programming skill to operate
Pricing: Free
Rainforest QA
A subscription to Rainforest QA allows anyone on your development team to write no-code tests in plain language for quick results.
Key features:
- Offers no-code automated testing
- Delivers fast, actionable reports
- Works across multiple platforms
- Uses human and robot testers
- Option for a 14-day free trial
- Requires limited technical skill
Pricing: $200/month
Selenium
Mainly geared toward automated web application testing, Selenium is an industry leader in web app automation.
Key features:
- Supports multiple programming languages
- Works across several browsers and operating systems
- Requires manual input for detailed reports
- Open-source
Pricing: Free but accepts sponsorships
Katalon Studio
With no-code tests and extended options, Katalon offers automated app testing for all levels of expertise.
Key features:
- Offers mobile and web app testing
- Integrates well with other developer tools
- Operates across all platforms and OS
- Intuitive interface backed by strong support
Pricing: Multiple subscription tiers ranging from free to $1,199/license/year
Cucumber
Cucumber is a Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) tool built for web application automation.
Key features:
- Open-source and commercial tools available
- Works with multiple programming languages
- No mobile support
- Used by well-known enterprises
Pricing: Offers free trial and sever subscription tiers starting at $1260/year/user
Telerik Test Studio
Designed to help anyone succeed in creating and running automated web application tests, Telerik offers an intuitive QA testing tool.
Key features:
- No-code and coded testing
- Tests web and WPF applications
- Offers test scheduling
- A spendy yet dynamic tool
Pricing: Starts at $2,499 for a perpetual license
Ranorex Studio
Ranorex Studio has produced an all-in-one test automation tool for AQ teams with an intuitive interface.
Key features:
- Tests desktop, web, and mobile applications
- Runs across a wide range of browsers and devices
- Code and no-code test writing options
- Offers detailed reports
- Provides webinars and support
- Heavy computing
Pricing: Offers free trial, then starts at $5,990 for a perpetual license
Eggplant
With automation testing tools to optimize user experience, Eggplant can test web, mobile, and desktop applications.
Key features:
- Incorporates AI testing technology
- Supports multiple platforms and devices
- Inviting interface
Pricing: Start with a free trial or contact support for pricing
Squish
Developed by Froglogic, Squish offers a graphical user interface (GUI) automated testing tool for quality assurance.
Key features:
- Works across all platforms
- Automates multiple programming languages
- Allows testing for desktop, mobile, web, and embedded apps
Pricing: Priced in Euros, contact support for more information on licensing
Rootstrap QA Testing Services
With agile mobile, desktop, and web app development strategies, Rootstrap is the premier global app development company.
From equipping fledgling companies with the tech they need to take off to working with big-name enterprises like Disney, Google, and Spotify, Rootstrap has the experience it takes to help any company grow.
Rootstrap offers managed QA testing services and strategic QA consulting to prepare your company’s digital product debut for success.
Our quality assurance testing methods provide complete transparency and add value to your product. We keep you involved through every step, deliver detailed reports on bugs and fixes, and monitor the project’s health as it progresses.
Using professional QA tools like Appium in tandem with manual methods, we have the engineering muscle it takes to work out all the bugs and deliver a top-notch user experience.
Ready to partner with us? Get in touch with Rootstrap.
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