How to create test automation framework architecture with selenium?
Tags: testautomationframework, testautomation, automationtest, automationtesting
Published: 2022-08-23 10:01:00

Selenium is considered to be one of the best open-source test automation tools. Test cases can be written by a test automation framework, which are a set of rules and guidelines. Maintenance costs are reduced and testing efforts can prove to provide higher ROI. The testing guidelines include logging strategies, reporting guidelines, defining object repositories, test data management and coding standards. Creating automated tests with Selenium is not enough, rather an automation framework can be built using Selenium that can create tests that are not fragile. In this article, you will get to know the steps that are required to create a test automation framework architecture with Selenium.

**What is a test automation framework?**

It is a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines that are created to make test automation effective and efficient. A framework consists of practices and test tools that are designed in a manner that can help the QA team test more effectively. To carry out an automated testing process in a successful manner, a [test automation framework](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks) is considered to be an essential component.
Less experienced testers can use the framework in order to manage sophisticated testing on shorter development cycles. 

**Following are the components that are incorporated by frameworks:**
Test results and reporting practices
Specific rules for writing test cases
Taking into consideration log configurations
Analyzing object repository treatments
Handling test data
Assessing coding standards.

**Following are the five steps required to build framework architecture with Selenium:**	
1. Select an appropriate language: A programming language needs to be selected. Selenium supports a wide array of programming languages such as Python, Ruby, C#, java etc. 
2. Choose a framework: Choose a unit test framework. A method can be marked as part of the test using annotations and then logs can be generated. Test cases from IDE can be executed and tests are executed in parallel also. For example, TestNG can be used as it offers a lot of benefits.
3. Design the framework architecture: Based on the needs, the framework architecture can be designed. A scalable, maintainable and sustainable architecture should be focused and worked upon. Initiate building the test modules based on the architecture. 
4. Choose a recording mechanism: Test results can be easily read and analyzed using a proper recording mechanism
5. Integrate: Lastly, based on the requirement, the framework can be integrated with other tools. For example, when a specific project has a large number of tests, then TestRail, which is a Test Case Management (TCM) system can be used.

**Benefits of Test Automation Framework:**
For example, an organization has a testing team of around 3 members. Each one of the testers uses their own skill and techniques to write automation scripts. In this manner, coding is done in different styles. There will be scenarios where the entire team will not be able to optimize common pieces of scripts and code. To solve this issue, using a [test automation](https://www.testingxperts.com/services/test-automation/ca-en) framework is the solution.

**Following are the key factors of an automation framework:**

A universal standard for testers needs to be established 
The test progress needs to be fastened
The test code should be easily maintained
Human errors should be eliminated
The application should be tested effectively
Continuous testing and delivery should be achieved 
Time, effort and cost are saved to a great extent. 
If the test automation frameworks can be designed and implemented properly, then frequent and stable automated test code can be delivered. 
**Conclusion:** If you are looking forward to implementing Selenium testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a leading software testing services company that will provide you with a tactical testing strategy that is in line with your project specific requirements.

**About the author:** I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.