Debunking 6 major myths about automated testing

The global test automation market size is expected to reach USD 28.8 billion by 2025, ResearchAndMarkets reports. This indicates a significant growth potential for the global test automation market in the coming years. However, some companies are still hesitating about automated testing implementation. Myths about test automation lead to misconceptions about the domain, and this is the key reason why some companies think that automation is not suitable for them. Myths help to clarify this issue, the Zebrunner team has debunked six common myths about test automation.

Myth #1. Automated tests are not reliable

There is a common misconception that automated tests are unreliable and prone to false positives or false negatives results. Here are several reasons why some people may say that automated testing is not reliable enough:

• Test automation is complex. Automation Testing requires specialized skills and knowledge. If the tests are not designed and implemented correctly, the results may be unreliable.

• Flaky tests. Automated tests sometimes produce inconsistent results, known as “flaky tests”. This happens when the test environment changes, or the application being tested has changed in a way that the test was not intended to handle. Flaky tests can be difficult to diagnose and lead to false positives or false negatives results.

• Limited coverage. Automated tests can only test what they are designed to test. If the test cases are not comprehensive or well-designed, they may not cover all possible scenarios. It leads to unreliable results.

• Maintenance overhead. If the tests are not maintained correctly, they become unreliable or inefficient.
• Human error. Testers may introduce errors in the test script or misinterpret the results.

Despite these challenges, automated testing can be reliable if it is designed and implemented correctly. The key is to have a well-designed test plan, well-written test cases, and a robust testing platform. Additionally, regular maintenance and review of the test suite ensures its stability.

Myth #2. Automated testing replaces manual testing

One of the main myths about automated testing is that it can replace manual testing. In reality, automated testing and manual testing are complementary and serve different purposes. While automated testing can increase efficiency and reduce human error, manual testing is still essential for tasks that require human judgment and creativity.

Automated testing is best suited for repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as regression testing and load testing. It can also be used for tasks that are difficult or impossible for humans to perform, such as testing with large datasets or simulating multiple concurrent users. However, automated testing cannot replace manual testing entirely. There are several testing types that are better performed manually, including exploratory, UI/UX, ad hoc, accessibility, and user acceptance testing.

Myth #3. Test automation is too expensive

Another myth about automated testing is that it is too expensive to implement. Automated testing can be expensive to set up initially, but it saves time and money in the long run, especially for large and complex projects.

The initial costs of setting up automated tests include the cost of acquiring and configuring the necessary tools and infrastructure, as well as the cost of training and hiring skilled personnel who are proficient in automated testing. Additionally, creating and maintaining automated tests requires a significant investment in time and resources upfront.

However, once the automated tests are set up, they can be run repeatedly with little to no additional cost. This saves time and effort compared to manual testing, which requires a significant amount of human effort each time the tests are run. Automated testing can also catch defects earlier in the development cycle, which can reduce the cost of fixing defects and prevent costly production issues.

Myth #4. Automated testing is only suitable for certain types of testing

Some people believe that automated testing is only suitable for certain types of testing, such as regression testing, and cannot be used for exploratory testing or usability testing. In reality, with the right tools and frameworks, automated testing can be used for a wide range of testing types. The suitability of automation depends on factors such as the complexity of the application being tested, the type of testing being performed, and the available testing tools.

Automated testing is useful for tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, or require complex test data. Examples of such tasks include regression testing, load testing, and performance testing. Automated testing is also useful for tasks that need testing in multiple environments or configurations.

Myth #5. Automated testing can replace the need for human testers

Automated testing can perform repetitive and time-consuming testing tasks more efficiently than human testers. Moreover, automated testing reduces testing time and costs, increases test coverage, and catches defects early in the development process. However human testers are still essential for ensuring that the application meets the desired quality standards and delivers an optimal user experience. Thus, automation cannot replace human testers entirely. Only human testers can perform exploratory testing, usability testing, and other forms of testing that require human intelligence and creativity.

Myth #6. Test automation is beneficial just for large-sized companies

Automated testing implementation is not limited to large companies. Automation can be implemented by any company regardless of its size, provided that the company has the necessary resources and expertise to develop and maintain automated tests. In fact, smaller companies and startups can benefit significantly from implementing automated testing, as it can help them reduce testing time and costs, increase test coverage, and improve the overall quality of their software products. With the availability of many open-source and commercial test automation tools, companies of all sizes can leverage automated testing to optimize their testing efforts and achieve faster time-to-market.