Top Selenium Frameworks You Must Know

You are undoubtedly aware that test automation refers to carrying out test cases with the assistance of various automation tools. The purpose of implementing automation was to speed up the process and boost efficiency; tools in the testing business, such as Selenium, are helping to achieve the first goal while also contributing to the latter.

In modern times, selenium has emerged as one of the most crucial requirements for the development process. You can shave a significant amount of time off your automation assignment by enlisting the assistance of frameworks built using Selenium, which will, in the long run, result in cost savings.

We’re here to talk about selenium frameworks, selenium framework types,  selenium automation frameworks and so on. So, let’s begin with the introduction

What Exactly Is Selenium?

Validation of web applications is performed with the help of Selenium, an open-source and free automated testing framework compatible with a wide variety of web browsers and operating systems. In addition, you can compose Selenium Test Scripts in various computer languages, including Java, C#, Python, and other languages that are quite comparable to these. Testing carried out with the aid of the Selenium testing tool is referred to as “Selenium testing,” which is also a phrase.

There is more to Selenium Software than just a single tool; it is a collection of software, and each component of the collection is tailored to meet the Selenium QA testing requirements of a certain company.

What Exactly are Selenium Frameworks?

The Selenium Framework is a set of rules for writing code that makes it easier and faster to maintain code. If frameworks are not used, users may store “code” and “data” in the same place, which makes the code and data neither reusable nor understandable.

Frameworks can have both good and bad effects. For example, they can make it easier to reuse code, make it easier to move code around, lower the cost of maintaining scripts and make code easier to read.

Different Frameworks In Selenium

There are different kinds of frameworks in Selenium. Let’s delve deeper into the various selenium framework types:

1. Linear Automation Framework

It’s one of the simple and easy frameworks that let the tester or user record every step by hand, such as user input, navigation, etc. This framework is a set of rules only used to make well-defined test cases. Tools like Selenium are easy to set up and add to this so it can be delivered using a CI/CD pipeline.

In other words, even people who don’t know much about coding can work quickly on this, especially if a repeat case is needed in the project. This also means less manual work and mistakes made by people. Overall, you should look at a few features and tips before putting them into place.

The advantages of adopting the Linear Automation Framework are as follows:

• It is feasible to create test scripts (record and playback) without investing significant effort in preparation.

• It is not required to be aware of coding.

• A straightforward technique for rapidly developing test scripts

The Linear Automation Framework has several drawbacks, including the ones listed below:

• It isn’t easy to reuse scripts because they are automatically generated.

• Because the data has been hardcoded, we cannot run with various data sets.

• Finally, maintenance expense is high; even small tweaks need much work.

2. Modular Testing Framework

In the modular testing framework, testers build test scripts one module at a time, breaking up the whole application being tested into smaller tests that can be run independently. Framework for Testing with Modules:

To put it another way, the testers break the programme into many parts and make test scripts for each part independently. Using a master script to create the desired situations in each case, these separate test scripts can be combined to make bigger ones. End-to-end test scenarios are run from beginning to end by calling the different modules from this master script.

The main reason for using this framework is to provide an abstraction layer that keeps changes made in individual tests from making dangerous changes to the primary module. In this framework, testers build function libraries that can be used whenever needed. In some places, this is called a modularity or module-based framework.

The advantages of utilising a modular testing framework are as follows:

• Because the entire software has been divided into multiple modules, it is now more scalable and easier to maintain.

• Capable of developing test scripts independently.

• When a modification is made to one module, it has minimal or no effect on the remaining modules.

The downsides of the Modular Testing Framework are as follows:

• First, it takes longer to evaluate the test cases and identify processes that can be reused than to write them.

• Multiple data sets are prohibited since the test scripts contain hard-coded data

• The establishment of the framework requires coding skills.

3. Library Architecture Testing Framework

Rather than isolating the application into test scripts, this framework divides the application into functions that other portions of the application can utilise. A ‘common library’ containing common functions for the programme under test is established, and these libraries can be utilised as necessary.

Selenium WebDriver is the most popular external testing library, but Robot Framework can test FTP, MongoDB, Android, Appium, and other websites. The Robot Framework is mostly written in Python, but Jython (Java) and IronPython are also supported (.NET).

This approach is most commonly applied to inventory management systems where common tasks are frequently repeated.

Using a Library Architecture Testing Framework offers the following advantages:

• The script’s maintenance is simple.

• Scalability is uncomplicated.

• The library of functions is reusable, and it can be reused.

The downsides of adopting a Library Architecture Testing Framework are as follows:

• Coding expertise is important.

• The preparation of test scripts takes longer than normal.
• A predetermined set of test data has been hardcoded into the scripts.

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4. Data-driven Framework

 Separating the test script logic from the data used in the tests themselves is a goal of the data-driven test automation framework. Providing the script generator with various test data sets enables us to create test automation scripts.

The test data set must be saved in external resources such as XML files, Microsoft Excel sheets, Microsoft Access tables (MS Access database), SQL databases, etc. To obtain test data, the test scripts connect to other services. Using this framework, we rapidly and easily made the test scripts work correctly for different types of test data.

This framework significantly reduces the number of test scripts compared to the module-based approach. This framework offers greater test coverage due to the usage of reusable tests and greater flexibility in the execution of tests by simply changing the input test data when necessary.

It has drawbacks, such as the requirement that testers working on this framework have practical programming knowledge to develop test scripts, even though it is trustworthy because it does not affect tests when the test data is altered.

Some of the benefits of a data-driven framework are as follows:

• It works with a wide range of data sets.

• If you change the test scripts, it won’t change the test data.

• There’s no need to set test data in stone.

• It saves time because it runs more tests.

The following are bad things about a framework that is based on data:

• You need to know how to code.

• Setting up the framework and test data will take more time.

• Professional automation testers need to be involved in the design of frameworks.

5. Keyword Driven Testing Framework

Within the confines of this framework, the development of test case-specific keywords and data tables that are not dependent on the test automation tools will be required. Every test script is analysed as a keyword-prompted action, and the test data determines how the testing is carried out in this area.

Therefore, when the automated test case is run, the test data is read, which points to the appropriate keyword, and then the relevant script is called and carried out.

The tools HP UFT (formerly known as HP QTP), Selenium, and Robot Framework are examples of extensive use of this framework. Existing keyword testing for desktop, mobile, and web can be converted into programmed tests using JavaScript, JScript, Python, and VB.NET, amongst others.

This framework works well for many keyword search cases, such as testing websites or browsers, e-commerce platforms, etc.

The following is a list of some of the benefits that are associated with frameworks that are driven by keywords:

• To begin, having specialised knowledge is not a prerequisite for writing test scripts; anyone can do it.

• In this scenario, reusing the code is an option available to you. For instance, we can use a variable to point the various scripts in the same direction by referring to the same Keyword.

• Even if there are updates to the programme, the test scripts are always the same.

• Before the actual creation of the programme, you can choose to create some tests.

• It is possible to use test scripts independently of the application being evaluated by making only a few modifications.

• It does not rely on any testing tools at all.

The following is a list of the drawbacks associated with keyword-driven frameworks:

• Because of the high starting cost, the design process will take significantly longer than usual.

• It is essential to have staff members that are skilled in test automation.

6. Hybrid Testing Framework

The hybrid framework in Selenium combines more than one framework, specifically the keyword and data frameworks. Even today, most companies are embracing hybrid test automation since it provides better outputs and can be quickly customised to meet the requirements of the business.

It gives the tester the ability to employ a variety of keywords and data sets, each of which has its independent file, including the inputs and functions. As was just mentioned, the data-driven framework can make use of a variety of data sets. This was covered in the previous section.

This framework is utilised most frequently by non-coders with a limited or nonexistent understanding of programming. Let’s have a look at some of the extra capabilities that are offered by the hybrid test automation framework:

• Installation and maintenance are both simplified as a result.

• The definition of standards allows for the implementation of test automation standards consistently inside a hybrid testing framework.

• The user can maintain tool independence using hybrid, which is accomplished by creating the framework as a specific programme.

7. Behavior Driven Development Testing Framework

This Testing Framework for Behavior Driven Development plans to provide a platform to facilitate active participation from a wide variety of individuals, including but not limited to Business Analysts, Developers, and Testers. There has to be a lot more communication between the Testing Team and the Development Team.

The users need not be familiar with any programming language to use it. We use terminology that is not technical and more commonly understood to build the requirements for the tests. For Behavior Driven Development, a variety of tools are available on the market, including JBehave, Cucumber, and more like them.

Now you know the types of selenium frameworks, and each framework of Selenium has certain pros and cons.

The Bottom Line

Considering each framework’s usage and advantages and disadvantages, you may choose the one that best meets your test automation requirements. You must also ensure that your test automation tool is compatible with the selected framework to get the necessary testing outcomes.

Given the need for speedy and dependable testing that encompasses several browsers and devices to assure compatibility, automation testing with Selenium is the most efficient approach. Regarding practicality, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, Framework Selenium provides advantages over alternative testing frameworks. This makes it a great solution for delivering a consistent end-user experience that conforms to the continuous delivery methodology for software development.

Therefore, you can call ProIT Academy a major IT-based institute if you desire in-depth knowledge of Selenium frameworks.