Codeless Automated Testing – Benefits and Misconception

Codeless automation has changed the way that the tech industry has worked over the past two decades. But while it has altered many things, and improved efficiency across the board, there are many misconceptions and myths about codeless automated testing. 

Before we get into these misconceptions, we must first understand exactly what codeless automated testing really is. Basically, it is a way to utilize automated tests without writing code, which can makes test creation much faster. You just work on the app as you would manually and these tools would capture your actions and regurgitate them when required. When it was introduced, it was revolutionary. However, it often doesn’t receive the appreciation it deserves, due to the misconceptions that we’re about to examine. While there have been a myriad of misbeliefs regarding codeless or nocode automated testing, the benefits far outweigh any negatives and offer an incredibly helpful process that has made testing much easier.

Common Misconceptions

You can’t edit a codeless automated test.

It is often thought that if anyone wanted to make changes to a test that has already been recorded, one would have to completely re-do it. This is a myth that has been around since the beginning of codeless automated tests. But its simply not true. At least, not anymore. Now, it is easier than ever to edit a test. For example, in BQ a recorded test can be edited and parameterized to your hearts content.

You can’t structure or reuse your tests

Traditional Record-and-Replay tools did have this problem. However, new age tools allow you to record and structure your tests in a way of your choice. In BQ, you can organize your tests into modules or folders. You can then decompose your workflow end-to-end tests into business components which are essentially reusable pieces that can be strung together to create larger workflows. This not only allows you to organize and structure your tests but also reduces maintenance effort. Refer to this doc to see how to structure and organize your tests in BQ.

It’s impossible to collaborate!

So, back in the day when codeless automation was still a toddler, it was all done on desktop. If you’re old enough to remember those times, then you know that sharing with colleagues was next to impossible. So while this misconception is technically based in truth, it is certainly not true anymore. Now, these tests are cloud-based, meaning that you can share easily with whoever you need!

Codeless Automation Tests are way too expensive.

Now this is simply not true. There are several Opensource, freemium and proprietary tools out there in the market. Paid proprietary are worth every penny because of the resources that codeless automated testing saves. With the efficiency that these tools provide, there is less time wasted, and less resources wasted. While these tests are being done automatically rather than manually, it frees up other individuals to work on other things. And this is money saved. Plus, codeless automated tests have an incredibly easy interface that make them simple, fast, and effective. In the long run, these tests save both money and time.

Testers still need to know code.

No, we haven’t entered into a world where coding is obsolete. In fact, knowledge of code can certainly help testers to work with the codeless automated testing. But it is absolutely unnecessary to be a master of code. Codeless automated tests have a simple interface that require little knowledge to get started. So while testers don’t have to be able to code and write scripts, some basic understanding is helpful. You are solving a problem afterall and coding or testing is nothing but problem solving.

You’ll get stuck with one vendor and one vendor only.

A lot of people who are afraid of codeless automated testing believe that they’ll have to rely on one vendor for all of their products and services. But this is just not true. And you won’t have to pay through the nose to switch vendors. Some such tools generate and give you code to run on your own which reduces dependence on a single vendor. However, on the flip side, sticking with a vendor also has its advantages. Vendor does the heavy lifting of ensuring your tests run seamlessly and stay abreast with evolving technology while you focus on your business.

The Benefits

Now that we’ve discussed some of the misconceptions of codeless automated testing, let’s get into the benefits of it! And there are a lot, but we’re only going to list a few so that you’re not here all day. 

Codeless Automation is quick and easy!

Gone are the days that one would have to sit and completely script a test. With codeless automated tests, testers or even business users can sit back and relax and still get the job done. With modern testing solutions, tests can be done much faster, and results can be shared with ease. The interface is usually simple to learn, so testers don’t need to be experts to get the job done quickly and effectively. Take a look here to see how easy it is to create codeless tests in BQ.

Maintaining codeless automated tests is simple.

Creating a test is one thing, but maintaining it is a whole other animal. This is where most of the automation efforts in an organization fail. Tools like BQ Test Automation and Platform make the task of maintenance a breeze. BQ has several utilities and accelerators that show you the differences between releases and can pin-point where the changes are to be made. In addition, BQ has self-healing abilities where minor app changes do not even require a change in test.

Automated Testing is almost always better than Manual

Let’s face it, there’s one thing that automation has that manual work just can’t compare to: speed. Once the tests have been created, they can be run over and over in seconds. So if you are just starting with automation and do not have automation engineers, we strongly suggest you look at various Codeless Automated Tools out there. They will give your automation effort a running start.

There’s always room for improvement.

You might think that codeless automated tests are difficult or impossible to change. But that’s not the case. Testers are able to polish and improve the tests to their liking, which helps to obtain more accurate results! This is, of course, one of the applications where a knowledge of code would be beneficial. But in any case, this is one of the best parts of codeless automated testing.

Overall, its easy to see that codeless automated testing is an incredibly useful, cost-effective, and easy tool to use. While some are intimidated by the process, it is surprisingly simple to learn, and can add efficiency into the process of testing software. While misconceptions about codeless automated testing still runs rampant, its important to understand the truth about it. In the past twenty years, codeless automated tests have evolved into one of the most effective tools in the tech industry. So if you haven’t yet given them a try, now’s your chance! Leave the past behind and check out codeless automated tests today.

Also see Why No-Code Automation Is Now Taking Over IT Operations