What is scriptless test automation and how does it work?

As an SMB or an enterprise-level business, you are bound to face time pressures. Competition is growing while the demand for high-quality and speedy software is increasing. Businesses face pressure to maximize existing resources. They have to seek operational efficiencies across processes and technology to achieve digital transformation goals while safeguarding their financial performance. Moreover, market volatility over the past year has made companies particularly keen to cut costs.

Under these circumstances, an automation tool can come to the rescue, one of which can help in testing. What is scriptless test automation and how does it work?  

Scriptless test automation refers to creating and executing scripts without extensive code writing requirements. This approach aims to streamline test development by offering intuitive interfaces and visual elements for designing, creating, and running automated tests. 

Such an approach involves using tools rather than code to automate tests. It's important to note that the word "scriptless" (aka "code-free") refers to the fact that you don't need to write code from scratch to create a test case. However, the code in such tools does still exist, it's just that it is "written" automatically on the backend of the tool itself while the steps are being recorded. Thus, these tools "abstract" the underlying test automation code, allowing you to focus on validating the business logic when creating tests.  

There are two key types of scriptless automation: 

• Low-code testing automation: Allows users to create automated tests using a simplified code structure, reducing the need for intricate programming knowledge. It is something in the middle ground between traditional coding and completely codeless automation.
• No-code testing automation: Offers a fully visual environment for test creation, eliminating the need for any scripting or coding. It relies solely on graphical interfaces, making it extremely user-friendly for non-tech users. 

Scriptless test automation streamlines the testing process by enabling testers to outline testing steps rather than coding them explicitly. Still, behind the scenes, test scripts continue to evolve.

Only the initial manual part is required from the tester or business user to record step-by-step the actions of the system under test. After that, it is necessary to perform a one-time (usually) setup of the recorded steps. All technical aspects, or rather the code writing, take place on the backend automatically. It only requires minimum involvement from the tester to participate in script creation and then its maintenance.

To put it simply, here are 3 essential elements of the scriptless test automation framework:

• Automation kernel

At the core of the framework resides the automation core. It handles critical functionalities like logical automation, validation of core functionalities, compatibility checks with integrated systems, and the assessment of third-party applications.

• Input interface

The input interface serves as the space where users provide test inputs (steps, setup data, conditions, and expected outcomes) for processing. The interface includes an interpreter that communicates these inputs to the framework's core. 

• Output mechanism

The output mechanism represents the endpoint, presenting diverse forms of results. Outputs manifest as logs, comprehensive reports, outcome summaries, and intuitive dashboards. These outputs are crucial for the testing team to comprehend and act upon the test results. 

Together, these components collectively form the backbone of a scriptless test automation framework, facilitating test creation, execution, and result interpretation.

The process of scriptless test case creation may look like this:

1. The user (tester or business user) conceptualizes a test scenario, outlining the actions and expected outcomes.
2. Manually, the user interacts with the system, executing the intended scenario step-by-step.
3. The platform captures and translates the user's actions into a test script or sequence.
4. Upon running the test, the platform replays the recorded actions to recreate the scenario.
5. If the system performs as expected, the platform marks the test as successful.
6. In case of deviation or a different outcome, the test fails.
7. The user reviews the failed scenario, logs identified bugs, and generates a report or task for bug addressing. 

User performs actions on the platform 👉Platform records user interactions 👉 Recorded actions are converted into automated tests 👉 Automated tests are executed on the application or website 👉 Results are analyzed: Pass or Fail.

Is scriptless testing the right fit for your team?  

Here are 3 questions to help gauge whether including scriptless automation into your testing strategy might be beneficial: 

• Are you constantly scripting extensive lines of code for minimal testing changes? 
• Are you afraid of frequent system changes because manual testing is too costly in this case? 
• Do resource constraints prevent the system from rapidly adapting to new changes? 

If any of these resonate with your situation, it might be an opportune moment to explore scriptless testing automation.

To sum up, scriptless test automation implies the following advantages: 

• Enhanced accessibility and easy entry threshold 

Scriptless test automation tools often provide graphical interfaces, drag-and-drop functionalities, and visual elements that enable non-technical users to create and execute tests easily. This accessibility reduces dependency on specialized technical skills, allowing a broader range of team members to participate in the testing process. 

• Accelerated test case creation and its further maintenance 

With scriptless automation, testers can swiftly create and maintain tests without writing extensive code lines. Test scenarios can be built using pre-defined actions, objects, or blocks, speeding up the creation process. Furthermore, changes or updates in applications are easily made through intuitive interfaces, reducing maintenance efforts. 

• Simplified communication  

Scriptless automation tools facilitate better collaboration between various teams involved in the testing process. Testers, business analysts, and subject matter experts can collaborate more effectively by using a common, easy-to-understand platform, enhancing communication and aligning testing efforts with business requirements. 

• Higher test coverage and reusability 

Scriptless automation platforms often provide libraries of pre-built test components or modules that can be reused across multiple test cases. This reusability not only increases test coverage by allowing the rapid creation of varied test scenarios but also ensures consistency and reduces redundancy in testing efforts. 

• Easier adaptation to app changes 

Especially in the realm of frequent system updates.. Scriptless automation tools offer agility by allowing testers to adapt quickly to these changes. Since the tests are created at a higher abstraction level, alterations in the application's UI or functionalities can be accommodated more efficiently without significant script modifications. 

• Cost and time savings 

ProTip:  

At the heart of the matter, codeless test automation tools excel in simpler scenarios, such as handling regression tests. Therefore, by utilizing scriptless tools for these tasks, SDETs can direct their attention toward more intricate automation and higher-priority objectives. Ideally, the use of both script-involved (manual testing) and scriptless (automation testing) complements each other to maximize the speed and quality of your system. The percentage of automated and manual testing depends on the needs and goals of your business, but in an ideal scenario, more than half of the testing can be effectively automated.