The User Interface Automated Tests Designs
User Interface (UI) refers to the means to which humans and computers interact. This typically includes the mouse, monitor, keyboard, and desktop appearance. Just like any other software testing, User Interface Testing also applies automation. When it comes to designing automated tests for User Interface, it involves three levels.
Level of User Interface Workflow
In this level, it focuses on how users interact with the User Interface. Such interactions usually take place on a level of higher activity.
Level of Technical Activity
In this level, it requires using technical steps. To put it simply, this level involves identifying the technical steps required in order to exercise functionality within the User Interface.
Level of Business Rule or Functionality
Identifying the purpose of the test is what this level focuses on. Primarily, questions like what does this test shows and what is it exercising taps the functionality of the User Interface. Hence, it is vital that you need to find answers to those questions.
The Useful Path
This is an automated User Interface test design analyzing the application and the needs of the user. It creates automated tests exercising paths through applications that have some value to the user. In short, automated tests cover these paths. In addition, automating some aspects of the functions for users is the cause of why there are existing applications.
Paths showing good designs look will end up having a web-like structure. On the other hand, paths with poor design will have a tree-like structure. In short, different tests consistently exercise the same User Interface elements before they branch off and cover other features.
Different Patterns of Automated Test Design
Design patterns are the most interesting topic in automated testing. Creating design patterns has the purpose of solving problems in software design. Below are a few design patterns that you need to know:
Page Objects Pattern
With this pattern, it makes the code more reusable and maintainable. It allows the creation of the object repository along with User Interface elements. For this reason, this is the most important pattern in software automation.
Null object pattern
To make the code simpler and safe, skipping the null reference checks is the solution. In the null object pattern, it implements the given interface. However, its methods are doing nothing and very predictable. In other words, the methods are safely given on the null object.
Façade pattern
This pattern provides a simple and easy to use interface to a larger and complex code, API, or even sets of it. In other words, it involves simplifying the API usage. Aside from that, it is also possible to control the use of external API. As a result, it can hinder misunderstanding or misuse.
Singleton pattern
In the singleton pattern, the instantiation of a class restricts to only one object. Within the whole application, this object may come from a specific class.
Factory pattern
To create objects based on specific rules requires using the factory pattern. With this pattern, it involves encapsulating the object creation.
Wrapping up
Designing is the most challenging but interesting task in any field. This will definitely test your creativity and imagination. It is also applicable in designing automated tests for the User Interface. However, when it comes to designing automated tests, it needs skills and expertise. They must be easy to use and maintain, but most of all, they must be cost-efficient.