Getting Started with Test Automation

This is a quick reference guide to help you get started with test automation.

Key Concepts

Test automation is the practice of running tests automatically, managing test data, and utilizing results to improve software quality.

Benefits of Test Automation

• Faster Feedback: Get immediate results on code changes
• Consistency: Tests run the same way every time
• Coverage: Run more tests in less time
• Regression Safety: Catch bugs early in the development cycle

Essential Tools

Testing Frameworks

• Cypress: Modern E2E testing for web applications
• Playwright: Cross-browser automation tool
• Selenium: Industry standard for browser automation
• Jest/Vitest: JavaScript unit testing frameworks

CI/CD Integration

# Example: Run tests in GitHub Actions
name: Test
on: [push, pull_request]
jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      - run: npm install
      - run: npm test

Best Practices

1. Write Clear Test Names: Test names should describe what is being tested
2. Keep Tests Independent: Tests should not depend on each other
3. Use Page Object Model: Separate test logic from page structure
4. Maintain Test Data: Use fixtures or factories for test data
5. Review Test Results: Act on failures promptly

Common Patterns

AAA Pattern (Arrange, Act, Assert)

test('user can login successfully', async () => {
  // Arrange: Set up test data and state
  const user = { email: 'test@example.com', password: 'password123' };

  // Act: Perform the action
  await loginPage.login(user.email, user.password);

  // Assert: Verify the result
  expect(await dashboardPage.isVisible()).toBe(true);
});

Quick Commands

# Install Cypress
npm install cypress --save-dev

# Install Playwright
npm init playwright@latest

# Run tests
npm test

# Run tests in watch mode
npm test -- --watch

Resources

• Cypress Documentation
• Playwright Documentation
• Test Automation University

---

Last Updated: December 31, 2025