Codeless vs Code based automation testing systems

Aaron Basill, QA Analyst

Automated testing is an essential tool for ensuring the quality and reliability of software. It allows you to test more features and functionality in less time, with greater accuracy and coverage, ultimately leading to improved reliability and reduced costs. There are two main types of automated testing systems: codeless and code-based.

Codeless Testing

Codeless testing systems, as the name suggests, do not require the user to have any programming knowledge or expertise. These systems use a visual interface, often in the form of a drag-and-drop editor, to create and execute tests. This makes them easy to use and allows non-technical users to create and run automated tests.

 

One of the main benefits of codeless testing systems is their simplicity and ease of use. They are often easier to learn and use than code-based systems, making them a good choice for those who are new to automated testing or who do not have a background in programming. They also tend to be more user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and step-by-step guidance to help users create and run tests.

 

However, codeless testing systems also have some limitations. They are generally less powerful and flexible than code-based systems, as they do not allow users to write custom code or access the full range of features and functionality available in a code-based system. They also tend to be less efficient, as they rely on a visual interface and may require more steps to create and execute tests.

Code Based Testing

Code-based testing systems, on the other hand, require users to have programming knowledge and expertise. These systems use a programming language, such as Java or Python, to create and execute tests. This allows users to have full control over the tests they create and the functionality they can test.

 

One of the main benefits of code-based testing systems is their power and flexibility. They allow users to create and run highly customised tests and access a wide range of features and functionality. They are also generally more efficient, as they do not rely on a visual interface and can execute tests more quickly.

 

However, code-based testing systems also have some drawbacks. They are generally more challenging to learn and use, as they require programming knowledge and expertise. They also tend to be less user-friendly, with less guidance and support for users who are new to automated testing or unfamiliar with the programming language being used.

Test Complete

TestComplete is an automated testing tool that allows users to create, manage, and execute functional regression, and load tests for desktop, web, and mobile applications. It supports a range of programming languages and technologies, including Java, Python, C++, and more.

 

One of the main features of TestComplete is its visual interface, which allows users to create tests using a drag-and-drop editor. This makes it a codeless testing system, which means that it does not require users to have any programming knowledge or expertise. It also offers a range of built-in functionalities and support for a variety of testing frameworks and tools, making it a powerful and flexible testing solution.

 

In addition to its core testing capabilities, TestComplete also offers a range of features to help users manage and maintain their tests. These include version control integration, the ability to create and execute test projects, and support for continuous integration and delivery.

 

Overall, TestComplete is a comprehensive and user-friendly automated testing tool that is well-suited for a wide range of testing needs. It is easy to learn and use, yet powerful and flexible enough to support the testing of a wide range of applications and technologies.

Selenium

Selenium is an open-source automated testing tool that is widely used for web application testing. It supports a range of programming languages including Java, Python, C#, and more.

 

One of the main features of Selenium is its support for a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It can be used to test web applications on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other popular browsers, as well as on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

 

Selenium consists of several components, including the Selenium WebDriver, which allows users to control a web browser and send commands to it, and the Selenium Grid, which allows users to run tests in parallel across multiple devices and platforms.

 

In addition to its core testing capabilities, Selenium also offers a range of features to help users manage and maintain their tests. These include the ability to create and execute tests using a variety of programming languages and the ability to integrate with popular build tools and continuous integration platforms.

 

Overall, Selenium is a powerful and flexible automated testing tool that is well-suited for testing web applications. It is widely used and has a strong community of developers and users, making it a good choice for those looking for an open-source testing solution.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between a codeless or code-based testing system will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Codeless testing systems are generally easier to learn and use and are a good choice for those who are new to automated testing or who do not have a background in programming. Code-based testing systems, on the other hand, are more powerful and flexible but require programming knowledge and expertise. It's important to carefully evaluate the features and capabilities of each type of system to determine which one is the best fit for your testing needs.