What Do Test Automation Specialists Use Programming Skills For In Their Jobs?

As a test automation specialist, a strong foundation in programming skills is crucial for effectively performing your duties. Programming is not just an afterthought but a core component of the work, impacting various aspects of both manual and automated testing processes.

Core Programming Languages and Concepts

The core of our work involves using programming languages such as Java, a versatile language that is widely used in Java-based frameworks. Understanding Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts, Java's Collection Framework, JDBC (Java Database Connectivity), and various third-party APIs is essential for creating effective test scripts.

API Testing and Advanced Automation

For specialized tasks like API testing, your programming prowess is especially valuable. In such cases, you might need to delve into coding to implement logic for specific test checkpoints that cannot be managed by standard automation tools. For example, utilizing HP UFT in the past required writing automation logic in VBScript or C , depending on the component to be automated. This hands-on programming allows you to have a higher degree of control and fine-tune your test scripts for complex scenarios.

A more advanced approach involves using keyword-driven or BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) frameworks. These frameworks can abstract away some of the programming elements, letting you focus more on test scenarios rather than the underlying code. However, an in-depth understanding of programming is still beneficial for tailoring these frameworks to specific requirements and ensuring they meet your testing needs effectively.

The Art of Scripting

Creating scripts to automate tests involves putting in the necessary commands. Programming languages serve as the medium to trigger these commands, making your tests efficient and repeatable. Without programming skills, framing script-driven automation would be nearly impossible. Whether you're writing scripts for web automation, where you interact directly with web objects and manipulate text fields, or REST API testing, every piece of automation hinges on your ability to code.

Conclusion

While advanced frameworks can make some aspects of automation testing seem less reliant on programming, the core foundation remains rooted in programming skills and knowledge. A good test automation specialist is akin to a skilled programmer, always ready to dive into the code to optimize and advance the testing process. Whether you're managing manual testing, sticking to standard automation tools, or pushing the boundaries with custom-coded solutions, your programming skills are the backbone of your work.

If you need further clarification or seek assistance, feel free to ask. Our expertise in programming and automation is here to support you in achieving robust and efficient test procedures.