What is a Test Script? How To Write Test Script?
In this article, we will learn what is a test script, how to write a good test script and the following.
What is a Test Script?
Test scripts also known as Automated Test Scripts are line-by-line instructions or short programs that test various functionality automatically in an application or system under test. Some of the languages used in automatic testing are Java, Python, VB Script, Perl, Ruby.
Test scripts are written to verify that the application under test meets its design requirements and functions correctly.
The terms test script and test case can be used interchangebly. Let’s see what exactly is a test case.
What is a Test Case?
A test case is a set of instructions that must be followed in order to test an application or system under test.
Difference Between Test Case And Test Script
Here are the key differences between Test Case and Test Script:
| Test Case | Test Script |
|---|---|
| Test Case is an approach to software testing that require manual intervention. | Test Script is an approach to software testing that does not require manual intervention. |
| A test case is a set of specific instructions detailing how to test the functionality of software applications or products. | A test script is a set of instructions, or a short program, used to test the functionality of software applications or products. |
| Test Cases are executed manually. | Test Scripting is exeucted automatically. |
| Test cases are written in the form of templates. | Test scripts are written in the form of a scripting. |
| When testing an application manually, we use test cases. | When testing an application using automation tools, we use test scripts. |
| Test case template includes test case ID, test data, test steps, actual result and expected result. | Test script contains various types of commands depends on the language we choose. |
| Test cases are classified as positive, negative, UI test cases etc., | Test scripts are in general automated test scripts. |
| It requires more human resources and time to execute. | It requires less human resources and time to execute. |
| This is a setup that testers use to examine any particular function of the software application. | This is a program that testers develop to test any particular function of the software application. |
What is a Test Script Template?
A test script template is a document which outlines the steps for performing various tests on an application or system. The template can include instructions for setting up test data, executing specific tests, and verifying the results. It also includes information about expected outcomes of each step in the testing process. This helps to ensure that all necessary tests are performed correctly and that all expected results are achieved. Test script templates can also provide guidance on how to troubleshoot any errors which may occur during testing and help to identify potential problems in the application before releasing it. The template is an important tool for ensuring efficient, accurate software testing and can shorten the overall time spent on development cycles. By using a test script template, developers can ensure that their application is thoroughly tested and meets all the requirements before being released.
How To Write A Good Test Script?
There are three ways to create a test script, which are as follows:one of three ways.
#1. Record/playback:
In this Record/playback method, there is no need for testers to write any code. They just record and playback the user actions.
The tester will need to code in order to fix automation issues or adjust the current behavior. Some of the tools support this record and replay method are Selenium IDE, Katalon IDE etc.,
The QA team doesn’t need any programming expertise, which is perfect for organizations that prefer to do “Shift-Left” Testing.
#2. Scripting (Keyword/Data-Driven):
Keyword-driven testing (aka table-driven or action word based testing) is a type of automation testing framework. With keyword-driven testing, we define keywords or action words for each function in a table format, usually a spreadsheet. By doing this, it allows us to execute the desired functions.
In this method, testers create the tests by using keywords that don’t require in-depth knowledge of the code. Later on they implement the test script code for the keywords and regularly update this code to include new keywords as needed.
#3. Writing Code Using the Programming Language
When writing code for test scripts, it is important to understand the application’s logic and structure. This will make your code easier to read, understand and debug. Furthermore, you should be aware of any existing bugs or problems that may arise when running the script. It is also important to keep in mind best practices in coding which can help prevent errors and optimize the performance of your test scripts.
In addition, you should also consider writing helper functions or libraries that can be used to DRY (don’t repeat yourself) in order to make the code more maintainable and modular. This will help reduce development time as well as keep the code stable. Finally, you should be aware of any version control systems that your team may use and ensure that you document the code so other members of the team can understand it effortlessly. By following these tips and techniques, you can write efficient test scripts in any programming language.
Example of a Test script
For example, your test script may include the following to check a website’s login feature.
- You need to specify how your automation tool locates the login link, username filed, password filed, and login button on your website. Let’s suppose, by their CSS element IDs.
- Go to your websites homepage and click on “login” link. Verify that the login screen is visible, as well as the “Username”, “Password” fields, and login button.
- Pass the login credentials and click on login button.
- You need to specify how a user can locate the title of the Welcome screen that shows after login- say, by its CSS element ID.
- Make sure the Welcome screen’s title is visible.
- Read the title of the welcome screen.
- If the title text matches the expectations, the test was successful.
Tips To Create A Test Script
If you’re wondering how to go about writing a test script, here are some key tips:
Clear: We need to have test scripts that are clear and easy to understand. If the test scripts are clear and easy to understand then there is no need to go behind the project lead everytime for clarifications. It saves lot of time and resources. In order to achieve a well-functioning website, you need to constantly verify the clarity and conciseness of each step in the test script.
Simple: We need to create test scripts that contain only one specific action for testers to take. In order to achieve this, you need to ensure individual functions are being tested correctly.
Well-thought-out: When creating a test script, always think from the user’s perspective to determine which paths need testing. It is important to be flexible and versatile to consider all of the possible pathways that users might take while using a system or application.
What are the benefits of using a test script approach?
Using a test script approach has several key benefits. Firstly, it provides an organized and structured approach to testing, reducing the chances of overlooking any important tests. It also helps to ensure that all necessary tests are carried out in order and mitigates the risk of inconsistent or incomplete results.
Additionally, using well-structured test scripts can help to improve the efficiency of testing. By having clear instructions, testers can quickly and accurately complete tests without spending time interpreting the requirements or making mistakes. This makes it easier to identify bugs quickly and helps to save time in finding the root cause of issues.
Overall, a test script approach is highly beneficial for providing comprehensive coverage of an application and ensuring that all tests are correctly executed. This can help to reduce the risk of releasing software which contains bugs, providing a much better user experience for end-users.
This helps to ensure that applications are as error free as possible before they are released. Furthermore, test scripts provide clear documentation which makes it easier to debug any issues which may arise. This can save a great deal of time in finding and fixing bugs.
Conclusion
Using test scripts helps to ensure that applications are thoroughly tested and releases are bug-free, providing a better user experience and saving time in the long run.
