Automated testing has grown tremendously in the previous decade.
Vendors have released new tools, developers have built new open-source solutions, and testers have been swamped with a plethora of automated testing technologies.
Because of this, test automation engineers have become increasingly sought after in the IT sector.
If you’re curious about what a test automation engineer does and how to get started, this article is for you.
What Is Test Automation?
Automated testing implies that the test cases are run using an automation tool by a software testing team.
Automating tests is a way to reduce the number of manual test cases, but it doesn’t eliminate the necessity for manual testing completely.
An application or system is tested manually by a person sitting in front of a computer and going through each step one at a time.
Automated testing, in a contrast to manual testing, is carried out by a machine.
Automation testing utilizes software that can insert test data into the system being tested, compare expected and actual outcomes, and provide comprehensive test reports.
While test automation necessitates a significant initial investment, the long-term benefits and returns on investment it provides are immeasurable.
This is due to the fact that successful development cycles typically include repeating the same test suite. Automated testing allows teams to record tests as often as needed.
There will be no need for human interaction once a test suite is automated. As a result, test automation enhances the testing ROI.
Overview Of The Role Of A Test Automation Engineer
Automation test engineers are in charge of developing and designing programs to automate the testing of new and current software.
They use these tests to do research into software issues and to design programs and construct automation scripts following test automation principles.
Additionally, a test automation engineer collaborates closely with software managers and engineers to enhance the final market product’s quality.
The typical yearly salary for automation test engineers is $77,000, or $37 per hour.
Is It A Good Idea To Become A Test Automation Engineer?
Automated testing has gotten a lot easier because of the proliferation of test automation technologies.
If a manual tester has enough business understanding, it would appear that they could take up automation at any point.
However, the expectations of the market for an automation specialist are far greater than they appear.
Test automation scripts written by experts can basically be executed by anybody.
However, writing these scripts is a very different thing. That can’t be learned in one or two weeks by a manual tester since it needs specialized knowledge and skills.
Testing engineers are now required to deliver a complete automation approach for the whole application or product lifecycle.
It’s not just about automating the finished test cases or scenarios; it’s a far more comprehensive approach to testing.
In 2020, regression testing had 15% of the market share and is expected to expand at a rate of 18% through 2027.
Test automation engineers are also accountable for finding the appropriate collection of tools for each phase of the development life cycle and developing a cost-effective integration plan.
Today, no company wants to wait for six or eight cycles to get the benefits of its investment.
Automated testing specialists must also design tools to decrease the amount of time spent on repetitive manual testing as well as on producing test data.
It’s safe to say that test automation engineers will continue to be in-demand specialists with a wide range of job prospects in the years ahead.
Getting Started in the Field of Test Automation
1. Become familiar with the fundamentals of testing
In order to be proficient in automated testing, you must have a thorough understanding of testing as a whole.
In other words, automation testing is essentially a more technological kind of testing.
Testing should be driven by defined goals and objectives, and this is especially true for test automation engineers.
2. Start as quickly as possible
Waiting for an automation project to come your way may be a good time to practice your talents.
Open-source technologies, on the other hand, allow you to hone your skills early and at no cost. To see how it works, download and install one of the applications on your PC.
3. Learn the fundamentals of computer programming
You just need to learn how to code if you want to be a successful test automation engineer.
Even if you don’t plan on creating a lot of code, having a solid foundation in the fundamentals of whatever programming language you choose will come in handy.
You will be able to apply your understanding of these ideas to any programming language after you have mastered them.
Getting to know them better will be well worth the time and effort you put into it.
4. Keep in mind the importance of manual testing
Automated testing methods that don’t require coding are becoming increasingly popular.
However, if you want to compete with other automation test engineers in the market, you must first develop your manual testing expertise.
For example, you can take a remote course that teaches you the fundamentals of manual testing and teaches you about testing’s essential principles.
The differences between manual and automated testing will become clearer to you as a result of studying this material.
You will also learn the fundamentals of coding in such a program.
5. Start learning how to program!
You must be skilled in manual testing if you want to build a career as an excellent automation testing engineer.
Programming expertise is a must for novice testers who are just getting started in the profession.
6. Make use of automated testing software
In the tech business, most organizations currently use test automation techniques.
This is mostly because of the advantages they provide to businesses.
As a result, you must begin experimenting with the most popular test automation solutions on the market today.
You can learn more about their environment, architecture, and relevance to the application being tested by doing so.
Once you’ve worked with a few of these tools, you’ll be better equipped to choose the one that best suits your needs.
This is an important step to take in your testing career.
7. Consistently perform new tests
Keep up with the latest developments in software testing and test automation by regularly checking in with industry experts.
When it comes to creating effective test automation methods, professionals need more than just the right tools.
Bottom Line
Enthusiastic engineers that pursue test automation as a career have a great opportunity to rise through the ranks and be well-received for their contributions.
Automated testing is becoming a necessity for organizations as they construct more sophisticated apps and systems.
There is a bright future ahead for this position.
If you are looking to hire an test automation engineer to handle your testing project, then get in touch with our experts at Perfomatix.
