1. Overview

This high-level design document outlines the architecture and key features of an automation tool designed to facilitate data entry in both Windows and web applications. The tool is versatile, scalable, and can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines, making it suitable for use by small to large-scale companies, as well as IT companies seeking to record and play automation scripts.

Automated software testing is a vital technique in software quality assurance, where testers utilize automated tools like OmniSure to execute test cases. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort needed for repetitive and resource-intensive tasks that are challenging to perform manually. By automating the test suite, the testing process is streamlined with minimal effort, leading to enhanced software quality, reduced costs, and faster time to market.

A range of tools is available for automated software testing, catering to various applications, including web, mobile, and desktop platforms. In today’s modern development landscape, characterized by agile methodologies and continuous delivery, investing in automated software testing with OmniSure is crucial for businesses reliant on software to ensure rapid and reliable software releases.

2. Features

2.1 Record Steps

• • Description: The tool allows users to record a series of actions or steps performed within an application. These steps are captured and stored for future playback or automation script generation.

• • Key Components:

• • Step Recorder Module: Captures mouse movements, clicks, keyboard inputs, and other interactions.

• • Storage System: Stores the recorded steps in a structured format (e.g., JSON, XML).

2.2 Play Steps

• • Description: The tool can replay the recorded steps to automate tasks. This feature is crucial for testing, data entry, and repetitive task automation.

• • Key Components:

• • Step Player Module: Interprets the recorded steps and executes them.

• • Playback Engine: Ensures accurate replication of the recorded steps, including timing and order.

2.3 Connect with Database

• • Description: The tool can connect to various databases to read and write data, ensuring seamless data integration for automated tasks.

• • Key Components:

• • Database Connector: Supports connections to SQL, NoSQL, and other database types.

• • Query Engine: Facilitates execution of read/write operations.

2.4 Read Input from DB/UI

• • Description: The tool can read inputs from both databases and user interfaces, providing flexibility in data sources for automation.

• • Key Components:

• • Input Reader Module: Extracts data from databases and user interfaces.

• • Data Parser: Converts raw input data into usable formats for automation tasks.

2.5 Integrate with CI/CD Pipeline

• • Description: The tool integrates with CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes, enhancing continuous integration and continuous delivery workflows.

• • Key Components:

• • CI/CD Integration Module: Interfaces with popular CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI).

• • Automation Trigger: Initiates automation scripts based on CI/CD events.

2.6 Read OCR

• • Description: The tool includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities to extract text from images, enabling automation of tasks that involve image-based data.

• • Key Components:

• • OCR Engine: Utilizes OCR libraries (e.g., Tesseract) to recognize and extract text.

• • Image Processor: Preprocesses images for improved OCR accuracy.

2.7 Helps in UI Automation

• • Description: The tool assists in automating user interface interactions, enabling automated testing and operation of UI elements.

• • Key Components:

• • UI Automation Module: Interacts with UI elements using predefined actions.

• • Element Locator: Identifies and interacts with UI components.

2.8 Capability to Screenshot and Video Capture

• • Description: The tool can capture screenshots and videos during automation runs, providing visual evidence of the process and results.

• • Key Components:

• • Screenshot Capture: Takes snapshots of the screen at specified intervals or on-demand.

• • Video Recorder: Records video of the entire automation session.

2.9 Use Any Browser

• • Description: The tool is compatible with all major web browsers, allowing flexibility in web application automation.

• • Key Components:

• • Browser Driver Interface: Integrates with browser drivers (e.g., Selenium WebDriver).

• • Cross-Browser Support: Ensures compatibility with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and other browsers.

2.10 Understand Speech and Commands

• • Description: The tool can understand and execute spoken commands, providing a hands-free automation experience.

3. Importance of Automation

3.1 Efficiency and Speed:

Automation testing tools significantly increase the speed of test execution compared to manual testing. They allow for the rapid execution of test cases, which is particularly beneficial during regression testing and when running large test suites.

3.2 Consistency and Accuracy:

Automated tests perform the same operations in the same manner every time they are executed. This consistency reduces the chances of human error, ensuring that tests are conducted accurately and reliably.

3.3 Cost-Effectiveness:

Although the initial investment in automation tools and setup can be high, the long-term benefits include reduced testing time and effort, which translates to cost savings. Automated tests can run unattended, freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.

3.4 Increased Test Coverage:

Automation testing tools enable the execution of a vast number of test cases across different scenarios, browsers, devices, and platforms. This broad coverage ensures that more aspects of the application are tested, leading to a more robust and reliable product.

3.5 Early Detection of Defects:

Automated testing allows for early and frequent testing of software during the development lifecycle. This early detection helps in identifying and fixing defects promptly, reducing the cost and effort of fixing issues later in the development process.

3.6 Reusability of Test Scripts:

Test scripts created for automated testing can be reused across different versions of the application. This reusability is particularly advantageous for regression testing, where existing test cases are rerun to ensure that new changes do not introduce new bugs.

3.7 Support for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):

Automation testing tools are integral to CI/CD pipelines. They enable continuous testing, which is essential for maintaining the quality of software in environments where frequent code changes and deployments occur.

3.8 Performance and Load Testing:

Automation tools can simulate thousands of users interacting with the application simultaneously, which is crucial for performance and load testing. This capability helps in identifying performance bottlenecks and ensuring that the application can handle expected traffic loads.

3.9 Detailed Reporting and Analytics:

Automation tools provide detailed test reports and analytics, offering insights into test coverage, defect density, and overall software quality. These reports aid in decision-making and help in tracking the progress of testing efforts.

3.10 Scalability:

Automation testing tools can easily scale to accommodate growing test suites and complex applications. They can execute tests in parallel, significantly reducing the time required for comprehensive testing.

In summary, automation testing tools are essential for improving the efficiency, accuracy, and coverage of software testing processes. They support early defect detection, facilitate continuous integration and deployment, and provide valuable insights through detailed reporting. Investing in these tools is crucial for delivering high-quality software products in a timely and cost-effective manner.

4. Is Low Code Replacing Test Automation?

Low code/codeless testing is revolutionizing Agile and DevOps environments by enabling the continuous release of high-quality software at unprecedented speeds. Tools like OmniDesign handle complex, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks with ease, allowing team members without coding skills to perform automation testing quickly and effortlessly.

However, the goal of low code test automation is not to replace traditional test automation but to complement it. By utilizing low code tools, human effort, time, and attention can be redirected to specialized tasks such as improving the testing process, resolving complex issues, enhancing test coverage, and innovating new solutions.

Currently, low code/codeless test automation tools work alongside traditional test automation, delivering high-quality results with minimal human effort and time investment.