When starting with automation testing, it’s important to choose a framework that is not only easy to learn but also widely used in the industry. This ensures that you gain relevant skills that are in demand. Here are a few automation frameworks that are considered beginner-friendly and are popular among professionals:
- Selenium WebDriver with TestNG or JUnit (for Java):
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: Selenium is one of the most popular tools for web automation. It has a large community and plenty of resources for learning. When combined with TestNG or JUnit (testing frameworks for Java), it becomes powerful for creating structured automated test suites.
- Best for: Web application testing.
- Companies utilizing: Google, Microsoft, IBM, eBay, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo etc.
- Selenium with PyTest (for Python):
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: If you are more comfortable with Python, Selenium can be used with PyTest. Python’s syntax is generally more readable and easier for beginners. PyTest provides a simple way to write small tests, yet scales to support complex functional testing.
- Best for: Web application testing.
- Companies utilizing: Google, Microsoft, IBM, eBay, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo etc.
- Cypress (for JavaScript):
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: Cypress is gaining popularity for its simplicity and ease of use, especially among developers and QA engineers familiar with JavaScript. It provides a more developer-friendly API and handles many complexities of web testing, like asynchronous behavior, internally.
- Best for: Web application testing, especially for those with JavaScript experience.
- Companies utilizing: Microsoft, Atlassian, Priceline, Trivago, Twitch, Porsche etc.
- Robot Framework:
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: Robot Framework is a keyword-driven test automation framework that is easy to learn for those new to programming. It uses a tabular test data syntax and keywords that are very easy to understand. It’s also extendable with Python and Java.
- Best for: Both web and API testing, and it’s also suitable for beginners with limited programming experience.
- Companies utilizing: ABB, Altran, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of New York etc.
- Appium (for Mobile Applications):
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: If you’re interested in mobile app testing, Appium is a good start. It’s an open-source tool for automating mobile web, native, and hybrid applications on iOS and Android platforms. Appium’s concepts are similar to Selenium, making it easier if you already have some Selenium knowledge.
- Best for: Mobile application testing.
- Companies utilizing: Microsoft, IBM, Sauce Labs, BrowserStack, American Express, Walmart, Accenture, Sony etc.
When choosing a framework, consider:
- Your existing programming skills: If you’re already familiar with a particular programming language, choose a framework that uses that language.
- The type of applications you will be testing (web, mobile, API, etc.).
- The resources available for learning (tutorials, community support, documentation).
Regardless of the framework you choose, the key is to start practicing by automating simple test cases and progressively tackling more complex scenarios. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing your skills as an automation test engineer.
