As a software tester, you might have noticed that the people who create the automated tests don’t always know how the app they’re testing is supposed to work. This can be really frustrating, especially when an automated test fails and you have to figure out why.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the reasons why automation testers may not understand the flow of the app, and what can be done about it.
What is Functional Flow?
Functional flow is the step-by-step process a user goes through to complete a task in an app. For example, the flow for logging in might be: enter username, enter password, click login button. Understanding this flow is crucial for testing, because it helps testers find problems and make sure the app is working right.
Reasons Automation Testers Don’t Get the Functional Flow?
Following are some of the reason why Automations Tester don’t have knowledge of applications functional flow:
1. They Weren’t Involved Early Enough
Often, automation testers are brought in at the end of the development process, after the app has already been built. They didn’t get to see the early planning and design, so they don’t have the full picture of how the app is supposed to work.
2. Siloed Approach to Testing
In some organizations, there is a clear separation between manual and automation testing. Automation testers may be focused solely on writing and maintaining automated scripts, without a broader understanding of the application’s functionality.
3. Insufficient Training or Knowledge Sharing
Automation testers may not have received adequate training on the application they are testing, or there may be a lack of knowledge sharing between the development and testing teams. This can make it challenging for them to understand the nuances of the application’s functional flow.
4. Rapid Development Cycles
In today’s world, apps are updated and released quickly. It’s tough for automation testers to keep up with all the changes and maintain a solid grasp of the app’s flow.
Importance of Understanding Functional Flow
Understanding the functional flow of an application is crucial for effective testing, whether it’s manual or automated. When automation testers have a deep understanding of the application’s functionality, they can:
- Write more accurate and comprehensive automated tests
- Identify potential issues or bottlenecks in the application’s flow
- Collaborate more effectively with the development team to ensure the application is working as expected
- Provide valuable feedback and insights that can help improve the overall quality of the application
Strategies for Improving Functional Flow Knowledge
Following are some of the strategies for improving functional flow knowledge:
1. Involve Automation Testers Early in the Development Process
Invite automation testers to participate in requirements gathering, design reviews, and other early-stage activities. This will help them gain a better understanding of the application’s functional flow from the beginning.
2. Encourage Cross-Training and Knowledge Sharing
Establish regular knowledge-sharing sessions between the development, manual testing, and automation testing teams. This can help ensure that everyone has a consistent understanding of the application’s functionality.
3. Provide Comprehensive Training and Documentation
Invest in training and documentation that covers the application’s functional flow in detail. This can include user manuals, process diagrams, and step-by-step walkthroughs.
4. Adopt a Collaborative Approach to Testing
Encourage a collaborative approach to testing, where manual and automation testers work together to ensure the application is functioning as expected. This can help bridge the gap between the two disciplines and improve overall test coverage.
5. Continuously Update Automation Scripts
As the application evolves, make sure to update the automated tests to reflect the changes in the functional flow. This will help ensure that the automation suite remains relevant and effective.
Conclusion
Automation testers not knowing the functional flow of the application they are testing can be a common issue, but it’s one that can be addressed with the right strategies. By involving automation testers early in the development process, encouraging cross-training and knowledge sharing, and adopting a collaborative approach to testing, you can help ensure that your automation team has a deep understanding of the application’s functionality and can write more effective automated tests.