Top Test Automation Frameworks for 2024: Features, Benefits, and Comparisons

Modular testing framework: The application is divided into separate modules and an individual test script is created for each of them. If any specific part needs to be changed then the script needs to be updated for that specific module. There is not much coding knowledge required to set up a test automation framework. 

Linear scripting framework: It is also called a record-and-playback framework. Each step of the testing process is recorded by the tester in sequential order and then the steps are played back so that the test can run automatically. There is no need for any custom code to use this framework. The time taken to record is not much and hence the overall testing time is reduced.  

Data-driven testing framework: The same feature or function is tested many times with different datasets. The test data is separated from the script logic, which means there is no need to hard code test data into the script. It is considered to be one of the key test automation frameworks. In this manner, the test scripts can be connected to an external data source and then the data can be pulled from there as needed. 

Keyword-driven testing framework: For each of the application’s functions, a table is prepared with a set of instructions. Upon that, the keywords (script components indicating varied test actions like “click” or “login”) are stored in an external data table with an associated object. Once the table has been set, testers will write the code.  

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) framework: Through this framework, test cases are written in simple text language to help non-technical collaborators understand and know about the functioning of the software. User stories and system behavior is focused upon when the tests are being written. For test scenarios, there is a separate feature file.  

Test-Driven Development (TDD) framework: Agile principles form the basis of TDD, which, in turn, helps in saving time to quite an extent. It’s an iterative process through which unit tests are created for each of the software features and new code is written only when the tests fail. The creation of duplicate test scripts is avoided by this framework and optimized code is developed by the QA team.   

Library architecture testing framework: Through this framework, the application is divided into multiple parts. Based on the common objectives, the division takes place. A library of common functions is created by this approach, which can be used by different test scripts as and when required. It is a scalable and reusable approach. However, the team needs a minimum amount of technical knowledge, so that the functions can be analyzed accordingly.