What are the different types of Test Automation Frameworks?

Test automation frame work has got its own importance in the field of software testing. It can be defined as a set that consists of concepts, tools and assumptions that can be used to support the automated software testing. The basic advantage of using a test automation frame work is that maintenance costs are reduced by large margins. If any changes to the test case are made then there is a need to update only the test case files. No updates are to be made to the following two scripts:

1. Startup script and
2. Driver script

In some ideal cases there is no need of even updating the scripts in case changes are made to the application software. In order to have all the advantages of using a test automation framework it is important that you select the right one otherwise you will face the problem the other way round. 

There are various frame work techniques that are used namely:

1. Key word driven

2. Data driven

3. Structured

4. Linear

5. Hybrid and so on.

Purpose of Test Automation Framework

1. Defining of format for expressing the expectations
2. Creation of a mechanism for driving the application under a particular test.
3. Execution of the tests
4. Reporting of the results.

A test automation frame work consists of the following four components namely:

1. Test automation interface
2. Interface engine
3. Interface environment
4. Object repository

Types of Test Automation Frameworks

1. Ad-hoc test automation framework: 

- The scripting involved in this is developed in reactionary mode with the purpose of testing a single issue only. 

- The test case steps form part of each action script and exhibit low re-usability and call for high maintenance. 

- This frame work consists of some data inputs that are stored in the data sheet of the test script.

2. Data driven test automation frame work: 

- In this framework the scripts are considered to be an assembly of the function calls. 

- Data for the tests is supplied from the external source such as ODBC database, spreadsheets and so on. 

- Results are captured externally for each script separately.

3. Keyword driven test automation frame work: 

- A sequence of the key word prompted actions are used to be express the test cases. 

- Action scripts which serve the purpose of calling functions are executed by the driver script. 

- For this frame work no special scripting knowledge is required.

4. Model driven test automation framework: 

- This test automation framework makes use of descriptive programming for testing the dynamic applications inclusive of the web applications and sites. 

- The parametric code defines the objects and the work flow capabilities are enhanced by the custom functions.

5. 3^rd party test automation frame work like HP’s quick test professional: 

- This test automation frame work is also key word driven but its control is taken by the HP quality center data base. 

- It can be used in projects where there is a requirement for collaborative work efforts. 

- This framework has high level test requirements and the tests are defined as scripted components.

6. Intelligent query driven test automation frameworks: 

- This framework is object oriented and works on the agile principles. 

- It was constructed as a series of framework layers which compiles data at the run time with the help of data mining techniques which can be combined based up on the cope of the requirements of the test.