Keyword-driven testing

Definition

Keyword-driven testing is a software testing approach that utilizes keywords or actions to represent specific functionalities or test steps, allowing non-technical users to create and execute tests. This method simplifies the testing process by separating the test logic from the actual implementation, enabling teams to design tests using a more intuitive language. By leveraging a set of predefined keywords, testers can easily construct test cases, improving collaboration between technical and non-technical team members.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Keyword-driven testing enhances test maintenance by allowing changes to be made at the keyword level without altering individual test cases.
2. This approach promotes reusability since keywords can be reused across multiple test cases, reducing redundancy.
3. Testers can use a simple spreadsheet format to define keywords and their corresponding actions, making it accessible for non-developers.
4. Keyword-driven testing can integrate seamlessly with various automation tools and frameworks, increasing its flexibility.
5. By empowering non-technical team members to participate in test case creation, keyword-driven testing fosters better collaboration and communication within teams.

Review Questions

• How does keyword-driven testing improve collaboration between technical and non-technical team members?
  • Keyword-driven testing improves collaboration by enabling non-technical users to create and manage test cases using simple keywords that represent actions or functionalities. This allows team members who may not have programming skills to actively participate in the testing process. As a result, communication is enhanced since everyone can contribute ideas and understanding of application behavior, bridging the gap between developers and testers.
• What are the advantages of using keyword-driven testing over traditional scripting methods in automated testing?
  • The advantages of keyword-driven testing over traditional scripting methods include improved maintainability, as changes can be made at the keyword level without needing to rewrite scripts. It also allows for higher reusability of test components since keywords can be used across various tests. Additionally, this method promotes easier collaboration among team members, regardless of their technical background, as they can utilize a more understandable format for defining tests.
• Evaluate how keyword-driven testing might impact the efficiency of the software development lifecycle.
  • Keyword-driven testing can significantly enhance the efficiency of the software development lifecycle by streamlining the testing process. By allowing testers to work independently from technical constraints, this approach accelerates test case creation and execution. The focus on reusability and easy maintenance reduces time spent on writing new tests or updating existing ones. Furthermore, it empowers a broader range of team members to engage in quality assurance activities early in the development cycle, leading to faster feedback loops and ultimately resulting in higher quality software delivered more swiftly.

Related terms

Data-driven testing: A testing methodology that uses external data sources to drive test cases, allowing multiple iterations of the same test with different input values.

Test automation framework: A set of guidelines and tools that facilitate automated testing by providing structure for test development, execution, and reporting.

Behavior-driven development (BDD): A software development approach that encourages collaboration between developers, QA, and non-technical stakeholders to define application behavior through simple language.