Is Source Code Really Necessary for Successful Automation?

August 31 10:10 2023 by Alyona Kolesnikova Print This Article

Test Automation is an essential aspect of software development as it helps to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the testing process.

One frequently asked question is whether it’s possible to accomplish QA automation without utilizing source code. Being a team with extensive Test Automation experience, we understand the risks associated with providing access to source code.

That is why this article explores whether modifications to the source code are necessary for test automation and aims at dispelling any concerns you may have about automating testing tasks. The discussion will focus on exploring the possibility of QA automation without source code and the potential benefits and challenges associated with this approach.

The Role of Source Code in Software Development

Source code and QA automation play vital roles in software development.

Source code refers to the instructions programmers write in a particular programming language to create software applications. It is the foundation of any software application and is compiled to create an executable program that the end-users can utilize.

The Importance of QA Automation in Software Development

The QA automation process is of great importance in a company as it helps ensure software applications are first-rate, reliable, and improve product quality. By automating the testing process, companies can optimize the time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual testing.

QA automation can also help identify defects early in the development process, which reduces the cost of fixing them later on. It ensures that software applications are tested thoroughly and consistently, which improves the overall quality and performance of the product.

For companies that want to deliver high-quality software applications while saving time and resources, the process of automating quality control is critical. It helps to ensure that software is thoroughly tested, and reliable, and its quality is improved, leading to better customer satisfaction and a competitive edge in the market.

Are Changes to Source Code Necessary for Setting up Automated Tests?

So, is there a need for any source code manipulations for test automation? No, not really. Source code is needed in very rare and exceptional situations when it comes to test automation. Especially when using testing tools that work at the user interface level.

Based on our extensive experience in test automation, we can surely say that source code for test automation is required in rare cases. For example, it could happen when automating games on Unreal Engine or Unity. But, again, these are exceptional scenarios rather than regular practices.

The source code is not particularly needed here since these tests can be created using tools that interact with the software in the same way as the user. However, when testing needs to be done at a lower level, such as when testing individual functions or modules, source code is needed to write tests that check the behavior of the code.

Regardless of the level of testing, automated testing provides numerous benefits, including increased speed and efficiency, improved test coverage, and the ability to detect defects earlier in the development cycle. Automated testing also reduces the need for manual testing, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. As a result, the source code is not the most important element when it comes to automated testing.

Approach to Organizing the Automation Process in QATestLab

At QATestLab, we take a systematic approach to organizing the test automation process. The first step is to analyze the software under test and identify areas where automation can be most beneficial. Then, we select the most appropriate automation tools and frameworks to develop automated scripts.

Our team of skilled automation engineers creates and executes test cases using the selected tools, and the results are stored in a central repository for easy access and analysis. We also regularly review and update the automated scripts to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. Throughout the process, we work closely with our clients to ensure their requirements are met and that their feedback is incorporated into the automation process. By following these steps, we are able to optimize the automation process, improve test coverage, and deliver high-quality software to our clients.

Plus, we take confidentiality seriously and are flexible in our approach to collaboration. Therefore, we do not need source code in order to implement test automation.

Get in touch with us and our experts will be happy to guide you on where to begin your journey into test automation.