Automation framework types in Testing Fundamentals - Framework Patterns

Framework Mode - Automation framework types

Folder Structure Example for Automation Framework Types

  automation-framework/
  ├── data/                  # Test data files (CSV, JSON, Excel)
  ├── libraries/             # Reusable helper functions or utilities
  ├── reports/               # Test execution reports
  ├── tests/                 # Test scripts organized by type
  │   ├── keyword_driven/    # Tests using keyword-driven approach
  │   ├── data_driven/       # Tests using data-driven approach
  │   ├── modular/           # Tests using modular approach
  │   ├── hybrid/            # Tests combining multiple approaches
  ├── config/                # Configuration files (env, browser settings)
  ├── page_objects/          # Page Object Model classes (if applicable)
  ├── drivers/               # WebDriver executables or setup scripts
  ├── utils/                 # Utility scripts (logging, waits, etc.)
  └── README.md              # Project overview and instructions
  

Test Framework Layers for Automation Framework Types

• Test Scripts Layer: Contains the actual test cases. Depending on the framework type, tests may be keyword-driven, data-driven, modular, or hybrid.
• Page Object Layer: Encapsulates UI elements and actions to keep tests clean and maintainable (used in modular and hybrid frameworks).
• Data Layer: Stores test data separately from test scripts to support data-driven testing.
• Library/Utility Layer: Contains reusable helper functions like logging, waits, or browser setup.
• Configuration Layer: Manages environment settings, browser choices, and credentials.

Configuration Patterns

Use separate config files for different environments (e.g., dev, test, prod). Store browser options and credentials securely. Load configurations dynamically at runtime to run tests in different setups without code changes.

• Environment config files (e.g., config/dev.json, config/prod.json)
• Browser settings in config (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
• Secure storage for sensitive data (use environment variables or encrypted files)

Test Reporting and CI/CD Integration

Generate clear, readable reports after test runs showing passed and failed tests. Integrate with CI/CD tools (like Jenkins, GitHub Actions) to run tests automatically on code changes.

• Use HTML or JSON reports for easy viewing
• Include screenshots on failures for UI tests
• Configure CI pipelines to trigger tests and publish reports

Best Practices for Automation Framework Types

1. Keep test data separate: Helps reuse tests with different inputs (data-driven).
2. Use modular design: Break tests into small reusable parts for easier maintenance.
3. Combine approaches: Hybrid frameworks leverage strengths of multiple types.
4. Maintain clear naming: Use descriptive names for keywords, modules, and tests.
5. Automate configuration: Make it easy to switch environments and browsers without code changes.

Self Check

In this automation framework structure, where would you add a new set of test scripts that use keywords to describe test steps?

Key Result

Automation frameworks organize tests by types like keyword-driven, data-driven, modular, or hybrid to improve reuse and maintenance.