  Automated Testing
This is testing carried out with a software testing tool
that can issue keystrokes automatically, monitor the contents
and position of windows, press buttons, etc. In general, an automated
test tool is controlled with a text file that is either programmed
directly by you, the tester, or is generated automatically by
capturing your mouse movements and keyboard actions as you test
something. Examples of such tools are IBM Rational Functional Tester and Mercury TestDirector.
The advantage of an automated test tool is that scripts can
be generated for testing a variety of conditions, and then stored
in a library. Later, when the software has been changed, this
library of tests can be run automatically to verify the changes.
The disadvantage of an automated test tool is that most require
some programming knowledge, as modifying the generated scripts
is not trivial. Furthermore, if the user interface of the software
under test changes substantially, then a lot of time can be wasted
re-generating scripts.
Nevertheless, automated tools can substantially increase the
amount of standard testing procedures performed prior to each
release of a software product; they thus ensure that at least
the tested functions work. |