Month 3: Automation, Tools & Job Prep (Days 61–90)
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
What is Automation Testing?
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of automation testing. Can anyone tell me what automation testing is?
It's where we use tools to run tests instead of doing them manually.
Exactly! It helps us save time and effort on repetitive tests. Remember the acronym T.A.S.K. — Time-saving, Accurate, Streamlined, and Knowledgeable. Now, what are some advantages of automation testing?
It allows for consistent results and can run tests much faster.
Great point! And what about the downsides? Are there tests that shouldn't be automated?
Tests that are one-time use or when the feature is rapidly changing might not be worth automating.
Yes, that's spot on! Let’s summarize: automation testing is efficient and accurate but best suited for stable features. Keep that in mind as we proceed!
Selenium WebDriver
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, let’s discuss Selenium WebDriver. Who can tell me what Selenium is used for?
It's used to automate web applications by simulating browser actions.
Correct! There are various components such as Selenium IDE, Selenium RC, and Selenium Grid. Can you explain their roles?
Selenium IDE is for record and playback, Selenium RC allows execution on various browsers, and Grid helps run tests on multiple machines.
Well done! Always remember the key functions of these components as you interact with Selenium in practice. Now, can anyone summarize our discussion on Selenium's role in automation testing?
Selenium is essential for automating interactions with web elements, making testing more efficient.
Exactly right! Keep that understanding as we move on to setting up environments.
CI/CD and Jenkins
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now let’s tackle CI/CD and how Jenkins fits in. Who can explain what CI/CD means?
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment. It helps in automating the deployment of applications.
Correct! Jenkins is a popular tool for automating this process. What are some benefits of using Jenkins?
It allows for automated testing and reporting of builds.
Exactly! Jenkins facilitates faster feedback and integration. Remember, 'F.A.C.E.' — Fast, Automated, Continuous, Efficient. Can anyone think of a project scenario where Jenkins would be invaluable?
Running automated tests every time code is pushed to the repository.
Fantastic! By implementing Jenkins, we can catch issues faster and improve overall quality.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In Month 3, learners delve into automation testing techniques using tools like Selenium WebDriver and explore job preparation strategies, including interview preparation and portfolio building.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
Month 3 of this QA course is focused on automation testing, tooling, and preparing students for the job market. This month is divided into weeks covering the following topics:
- Automation Testing Basics (Week 9): Students learn about the fundamentals of automation testing, its benefits, and how to set up environments. This includes a practical introduction to Selenium WebDriver and writing basic test scripts.
- Automation Frameworks and CI/CD (Week 10): This week covers integration with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, understanding TestNG/JUnit frameworks, and implementing the Page Object Model for better test organization.
- Capstone Project (Week 11): Students execute their learned skills through a capstone project combining manual and automated testing on a web app, solidifying their understanding and preparedness for real-world applications.
- Wrap-up and Job Prep (Week 12): The final week focuses on essential job readiness skills, including preparing common QA interview questions and setting up professional portfolios with test cases and bug reports, along with practicing interviews. This month aims to blend practical experience with theoretical knowledge to fully equip students for a QA career.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Week 9: Automation Testing Basics
Chapter 1 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.1 Week 9: Automation Testing Basics
4.1.1 Day 41: What is Automation Testing?
Automation testing uses scripts to execute tests, saving time for repetitive tasks.
Example: Automating login tests for multiple browsers.
Exercise:
1. List three benefits of automation testing.
2. Identify one test unsuitable for automation.
Detailed Explanation
Automation testing is a process of running tests on software automatically using scripts instead of manual execution. The primary goal is to increase efficiency, as automation can handle repetitive tasks much faster and with fewer human errors. For instance, if you need to test the login functionality across multiple web browsers, instead of manually logging in to each browser, an automated script can do it instantly and consistently.
You will benefit from automation testing by:
1. Speed: Tests can be executed much quicker than manual tests.
2. Reusability: Once a test script is created, it can be reused for further updates or releases.
3. Consistency: Automated testing ensures that the same procedures are followed for each test, minimizing variability due to human error.
Examples & Analogies
Think of automation testing like a baking machine in a factory. Once programmed, this machine can produce thousands of cookies in a fraction of the time it would take a human to bake them by hand. Just like the machine, automation testing allows you to 'bake' your tests over and over efficiently.
Introduction to Selenium WebDriver
Chapter 2 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.1.2 Day 42: Introduction to Selenium WebDriver
Selenium WebDriver automates browser interactions.
Exercise:
1. List three Selenium WebDriver components.
2. Explain how WebDriver interacts with browsers.
Detailed Explanation
Selenium WebDriver is a tool used for automating web applications for testing purposes. It allows you to execute your tests on different browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and simulate real user interactions. WebDriver works by sending commands from your script to the browser's control interface, which executes the commands and returns the outcome back to the script.
The main components you should know about include:
1. WebDriver: The main interface for controlling the browser.
2. Browser Drivers: These are specific drivers like ChromeDriver or GeckoDriver that allow WebDriver to communicate with their respective browsers.
3. Programming Languages: Selenium supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Python, and C#, enabling you to write the test scripts in a language of your choice.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine WebDriver as a remote control for a TV. Just like you use a remote to change channels, adjust volume, or turn on and off the TV, WebDriver sends commands to the browser to navigate pages, click on buttons, and fill out forms. It's the intermediary that translates your commands into actions on the screen.
Setting up Selenium with Java/Python
Chapter 3 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.1.3 Day 43: Setting up Selenium with Java/Python
Students set up a Selenium environment with Java or Python.
Example Setup (Python):
from selenium import webdriver
driver = webdriver.Chrome()
driver.get('https://example.com')
Exercise:
1. Set up a Selenium environment and run a sample script.
2. List three dependencies for Selenium with Python.
Detailed Explanation
Setting up Selenium involves installing the necessary software and writing a simple script to verify that everything works correctly. The example provided shows a basic setup in Python: first, the WebDriver is imported, then an instance of the Chrome browser is created, and finally, a specified URL is opened in that browser.
To set this up, you will typically install the Selenium package and the appropriate browser driver, such as ChromeDriver, which serves as a bridge between Selenium and the Chrome browser. You can do this using package managers like pip for Python.
Examples & Analogies
Think of setting up Selenium as assembling a bike. Just as you need certain parts (wheels, frame, handlebars) to build a functioning bike, you need to install ChromeDriver, the Selenium library, and a programming language library to have a working testing environment. Once all parts are in place, you can take your bike for a ride— or in this case, run automated tests!
Writing Basic Selenium Test Scripts
Chapter 4 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.1.4 Day 44: Writing Basic Selenium Test Scripts
Students write scripts to automate simple tasks like form submissions.
Example Script:
from selenium import webdriver
driver = webdriver.Chrome()
driver.get('https://example.com/login')
driver.find_element_by_id('username').send_keys('user')
driver.find_element_by_id('password').send_keys('pass')
driver.find_element_by_id('login').click()
Exercise:
1. Write a Selenium script to automate a search.
2. Add assertions to verify results.
Detailed Explanation
In this topic, you learn to write Selenium scripts that automate web application tasks. The example script demonstrates how to open a login page, enter a username and password, and click the login button. This is done using specific commands that target elements on the page, identified by their IDs (like 'username' and 'password').
When you write automation scripts, it's also essential to implement assertions to verify that your expectations are met— for example, checking whether the user is redirected to the main page after logging in successfully.
Examples & Analogies
Writing Selenium scripts is like programming a robot to perform specific tasks. Just as you would give your robot instructions to pick up an item and place it elsewhere, you are instructing Selenium on how to interact with different elements on a webpage, such as filling out forms or clicking buttons.
Mini Project – Automate Login Test
Chapter 5 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.1.5 Day 45: Mini Project – Automate Login Test
Students automate a login test for a sample web app.
Exercise:
1. Write a Selenium script for login with valid/invalid credentials.
2. Execute the script and report results.
Detailed Explanation
In this mini-project, students take what they have learned about automation testing and apply it to a practical task. They are required to write a script that tests the login functionality of a web application by submitting both valid and invalid user credentials.
This type of exercise not only reinforces their understanding of using Selenium commands but also allows them to observe how websites respond to different inputs, helping to identify potential vulnerabilities or errors in the system.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a teacher testing a new classroom resource by having students evaluate it. Similarly, by testing the login functionality, students are acting like testers, ensuring that the application behaves as expected when different user inputs are provided. This real-world testing mirrors how software companies might check their systems before release.
Week 10: Automation Frameworks & CI/CD
Chapter 6 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.2 Week 10: Automation Frameworks & CI/CD
4.2.1 Day 46: TestNG/JUnit Framework Basics
TestNG (Java) and JUnit (Java) organize and run automated tests.
Example TestNG:
@Test
public void testLogin() {
// Selenium code
}
Exercise:
1. Write a TestNG test case for a login feature.
2. List three TestNG annotations.
Detailed Explanation
TestNG and JUnit are frameworks used for organizing and executing tests written in Java. They provide annotations to denote test methods and help group tests together. For instance, the @Test annotation indicates that the method is a test case. This structure allows for more manageable test cases and better reporting of results.
Examples & Analogies
Using a testing framework is like organizing a sports tournament. Each team (or test case) follows the same rules (framework rules), allowing the organizers (testers) to evaluate the results (test outcomes) consistently. Just like matches are documented and categorized, tests get structured and reported for insights.
Page Object Model (POM) in Automation
Chapter 7 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.2.2 Day 47: Page Object Model (POM) in Automation
POM organizes code by separating page logic from tests.
Example POM:
public class LoginPage {
WebDriver driver;
By username = By.id('username');
public void enterUsername(String user) {
driver.find_element(username).send_keys(user);
}
}
Exercise:
1. Create a POM class for a login page.
2. Write a test using the POM class.
Detailed Explanation
The Page Object Model is a design pattern in Selenium where each web page is represented by a class. This pattern promotes better code organization, making it easier to maintain and scale your tests. By separating page logic (like how to interact with elements on the page) from the test logic, you promote reusability and reduce duplication.
By working with POM, modifications to a page only require changes in one location—the page object class—instead of updating multiple tests.
Examples & Analogies
Think of POM as a recipe book for baking. Each recipe (page object) contains specific instructions (methods) for making a particular dish (interacting with a webpage). When you need to bake a cake (test a feature), you follow the instructions from the recipe. If you decide to tweak the recipe, you only need to update it in one place instead of changing it in every cookbook you have.
Introduction to CI/CD Tools – Jenkins Basics
Chapter 8 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.2.3 Day 48: Introduction to CI/CD Tools – Jenkins Basics
Jenkins automates test execution in a CI/CD pipeline.
Exercise:
1. List three benefits of Jenkins for QA.
2. Describe a Jenkins pipeline for running Selenium tests.
Detailed Explanation
Jenkins is a popular tool used in CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment) practices. CI/CD is crucial in modern software development as it allows organizations to release updates quickly and reliably. Jenkins automates the building, testing, and deploying process, ensuring that every piece of code written by developers is immediately tested and integrated with the existing codebase.
Three benefits of Jenkins for QA include:
1. Automation: It can run automated tests without manual intervention, saving time.
2. Continuous Feedback: Provides immediate feedback to developers about the status of their code.
3. Integration: Supports integrating with various tools and languages, enhancing the testing framework.
Examples & Analogies
Using Jenkins is similar to using an assembly line in a factory. Just as each part of a product is checked and assembled in stages by different machines along the line, Jenkins ensures that every code change is continuously tested and integrated in a systematic process, leading to a final product that's reliable and ready for delivery.
Running Automated Tests in CI/CD Pipeline
Chapter 9 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.2.4 Day 49: Running Automated Tests in CI/CD Pipeline
Students configure Jenkins to run Selenium tests.
Exercise:
1. Set up a Jenkins job for a Selenium script.
2. Execute the job and review logs.
Detailed Explanation
This section teaches students how to set up a Jenkins job specifically for running Selenium tests. Once Jenkins is installed and configured, a job needs to be created where you can define the parameters of how and when your tests should run. Running tests in a CI/CD pipeline means that every time code is changed, the tests are automatically executed to verify no new bugs were introduced.
Examples & Analogies
Setting up a Jenkins job is like scheduling a routine maintenance check for a delivery truck. Just as you wouldn't want delays in your delivery system, you want to ensure that your software remains in good shape. Every code change is checked as if it's a maintenance check before hitting the road, ensuring smooth operations.
Automation Project – E-commerce App Tests
Chapter 10 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.2.5 Day 50: Automation Project – E-commerce App Tests
Students automate tests for an e-commerce app using POM and TestNG/JUnit.
Exercise:
1. Write three automated test cases.
2. Run tests in a Jenkins pipeline.
Detailed Explanation
This automation project allows students to apply knowledge immediately by automating tests for a hypothetical e-commerce application. They create scripts utilizing the Page Object Model and the TestNG framework to enhance organization and clarity. Running the tests in a Jenkins pipeline integrates this process with CI/CD, allowing for continuous testing.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine preparing a showcase for a product launch. Organizing automated tests is like assembling a display of products with clear instructions for potential buyers. Just as staff would demonstrate product features and benefits, automated tests showcase the application's functionality and reliability, ensuring it meets customers' needs before launch.
Week 11: Capstone Project
Chapter 11 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.3 Week 11: Capstone Project
4.3.1 Day 51–55: Capstone Project – Manual + Automation Testing of a Web App
Students perform manual and automated testing for a web app, documenting test cases, defects, and automation scripts.
Exercise:
1. Write a test plan and ten manual test cases.
2. Automate three test cases using Selenium and POM.
3. Log defects in JIRA and generate a test report.
Detailed Explanation
The Capstone Project is the culmination of the students' learning experiences, where they will take on a comprehensive testing role for a web application. By documenting manual tests, creating automated tests, logging defects, and preparing a test report, students get to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings, mirroring real-life QA practices.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the Capstone Project as the final exam in a cooking class where students cook a complete meal. Just as they must plan the meal (test plan), document their cooking process (test cases), and present the meal (test report), students in this project demonstrate their full suite of QA skills from start to finish.
Week 12: Wrap-up & Job Prep
Chapter 12 of 12
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
4.4 Week 12: Wrap-up & Job Prep
4.4.1 Day 56: Common QA Interview Questions
Common questions include: “How do you prioritize test cases?” and “Explain a complex bug you found.”
Exercise:
1. Prepare answers for three QA interview questions.
2. Practice with a peer.
Detailed Explanation
In this part of the course, students prepare for the job market by practicing common interview questions and formulating well-thought-out answers. Interview preparation is crucial as being able to articulate your experiences and problem-solving strategies can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Examples & Analogies
Job interview preparation is like rehearsing for a stage performance. Just as actors prepare their lines and practice their movements to deliver a compelling show, students must rehearse their responses to ensure they present themselves confidently and clearly in front of potential employers.
Key Concepts
-
Automation Testing: The use of automated tools and scripts to execute tests.
-
Selenium WebDriver: A tool that allows automation of web applications.
-
CI/CD: Practices that automate project integration and delivery.
-
TestNG/JUnit: Java frameworks for executing automated tests.
-
Page Object Model: A design approach that simplifies automation testing.
Examples & Applications
Using Selenium to automate the registration process on an e-commerce site.
Implementing Jenkins to automatically run tests when code is pushed to a repository.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
In automation testing, we have less stress, scripts run fast, we achieve success.
Stories
Imagine a world where every test is just a script away. The Selenium WebDriver zooms around, performing tests like a racecar, making efficiency its superpower!
Memory Tools
Remember 'T.A.S.K.' for automation testing: Time-saving, Accurate, Streamlined, Knowledgeable!
Acronyms
Use 'S.E.L.E.N.I.U.M.' - Script, Execute, Locate, Evaluate, Navigate, Interact, Update, Monitor.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Automation Testing
Using software tools to execute tests automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention.
- Selenium WebDriver
A tool for automating web application testing by simulating browser interactions.
- CI/CD
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment; practices that automate testing and deployment of code.
- TestNG/JUnit
Testing frameworks for Java that organize and execute automated tests.
- Page Object Model
A design pattern that enhances test maintenance and reduces code duplication by separating page logic from test logic.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.