Automated testing

Definition

Automated testing refers to the use of specialized software tools to execute tests on a software application automatically, without manual intervention. This process not only speeds up the testing phase but also helps in consistently validating the accessibility features of a design, ensuring that applications are usable by people with various disabilities. Automated testing can run multiple test cases simultaneously, providing immediate feedback and reducing the chances of human error during the validation of accessible designs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Automated testing can significantly reduce the time required for regression testing, enabling teams to quickly verify that existing features remain functional after changes.
2. Accessibility checks can be embedded into automated tests, ensuring that new features do not introduce barriers for users with disabilities.
3. Using automated testing tools allows for consistent execution of test cases across different environments, which is crucial for validating accessible designs.
4. Automated tests can generate detailed reports on accessibility compliance, helping teams identify and rectify issues early in the development cycle.
5. The use of automated testing supports a more iterative design approach, allowing for rapid feedback loops when making adjustments for accessibility.

Review Questions

• How does automated testing enhance the efficiency of accessibility validation in software development?
  • Automated testing enhances the efficiency of accessibility validation by executing multiple test cases simultaneously and providing immediate feedback. This means that developers can quickly identify accessibility issues without manually checking each feature, significantly speeding up the testing phase. By automating repetitive tests, teams can focus on more complex validation tasks, ensuring that designs meet accessibility standards consistently.
• What role does automated testing play in maintaining compliance with accessibility standards throughout the software development lifecycle?
  • Automated testing plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with accessibility standards by continuously checking for adherence during each phase of the software development lifecycle. By integrating accessibility checks into automated test suites, developers can ensure that new features align with established guidelines and do not introduce new barriers. This ongoing validation helps maintain a high level of accessibility across updates and releases.
• Evaluate the impact of integrating automated testing tools in fostering a culture of accessibility within software development teams.
  • Integrating automated testing tools fosters a culture of accessibility by making it easier for teams to prioritize and address accessibility issues proactively. With automated tests providing regular feedback on compliance, team members become more aware of the importance of accessible design and its impact on users. This awareness encourages collaboration among developers, designers, and testers to create inclusive applications, ultimately leading to a more user-friendly experience for everyone.

Related terms

Accessibility Testing:

A type of testing aimed at ensuring that software applications are usable by individuals with disabilities, focusing on compliance with accessibility standards.

Test Automation Framework: A set of guidelines, practices, and tools designed to facilitate automated testing and improve the efficiency of the testing process.

Continuous Integration: A software development practice where code changes are automatically tested and integrated into a shared repository, promoting early detection of issues.