The goal of automation testing is to serve as the primary quality assurance measures of web and mobile development teams. It is used to run tests, manage test data, and use the results of the initial runs to improve the software.Simply put, it automates the testing phase of the software development lifecycle. It makes the entire process more efficient.
The programming language you choose to use also has a say in how your test automation goes. There are several factors to consider on which language to use. There is one that is more suited for lengthier codes, another is more preferred for shorter ones. There are also languages that are more suitable for beginners with little background knowledge and experience.
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Python
Let’s start with one of the more popular ones. Python is widely used among experienced developers and those who are not part of the industry. It is easy to learn and to understand because of its relatively simple syntax. Its simplicity is one of the reasons why some people want to learn this language.
On top of having simple syntax, Python also has a wide selection of pre-written codes in its libraries to help developers complete their tasks without writing new codes every time they need them. Selenium and Appium libraries make it easier for cross browsing testing between mobile and desktop devices.
Lastly, this programming language has a large following making it a great support group for developers who are still starting out.
Read: How Has Software Testing Changed Over the Years
Java
Java comes up as another one of the best languages for test automation. In fact, the complexity and stability of Java is trusted by large organizations for their back-end systems. It follows a straightforward principle: Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) making it easily accessible for cross-testing.
However, developers who want to master this language must dedicate time and effort to learn the language’s syntax to implement it effectively. Several testing frameworks are built with Java. JUnit is a popular and in-demand testing unit made with Java. Moreover, this programming language works well with Appium testing for mobile apps and Selenium for web UI testing.
Read: How to Test Your Mobile App for Bugs and Why Is It Important
JavaScript
If Java is the go-to programming language for back-end systems, then JavaScript is its counterpart go-to language for front-end systems. JavaScript is also equally popular and in-demand for automation testing and for good reasons. Similar to Java, this language makes use of compact and well-structured framework producing, likewise, compact and well-built text scripts.
Its use in testing also calls for the use of shift-left testing methods. With these methods, QA testers work hand-in-hand with the front-end developers in coming up with effective test implementations.
In fact, Selenium WebDriver with JavaScript is the preferred combination in the automated UI testing of applications. Aside from Selenium, Jest, Mocha, and Jasmine are among the best and most popular JavaScript testing frameworks.
Read: Important Software Testing Trends For 2021
C#
Another one on the list of the best programming languages for automation testing is C# from Microsoft. The entirety of this language is developed following the principles of object-oriented programming. Aside from test automation, this language is also a favorite in web development because of its compatibility with various operating systems and platforms.
This language is highly compatible with Selenium WebDriver, which also makes it preferable for developers who don’t want any hassle with cross-browser testing. The most common testing frameworks that stem from C# are NUnit, MSTest, and xUnit.Net. Aside from these test frameworks, developers are considering using this language as the means to develop more testing scripts for this language.
Aside from its infallible compatibility with Selenium WebDriver, this programming language also produces language bindings for the said framework. C# helps create the overall framework of Selenium, which makes it an effective open-source test automation framework for automated cross-browser testing.
Read: CIEM Tools: 7 Different Uses for Your Requirements
Ruby
Ruby is gaining traction in becoming a preferred language for both web development and testing automation. Most often compared to Python, Ruby also makes use of simple and robust syntax. Its existing library of text codes is easy to understand and even simpler to use. The simplicity proves to be a necessary element for improving a user’s productivity and efficiency.
This programming language also adapts an open-source framework making it available for anyone’s convenience. Learning and small-time developers can easily have their hand at trying this language. Aside from that, this language also uses a flexible object-orientation architecture.
Object-oriented programming is a paradigm to deal with the growing complexities of programming. This framework aims to provide the entire process a semblance of order, rather than just a string of words, numbers, and concepts. With the flexible object-orientation architecture, it supports a fault-tolerant software. This means that test automation will remain rigid but not to a fault. It shall support a well-structured and flexible approach.
Choosing the Best Programming Language For You
Choosing the best programming language for your test automation is a reflection of your roots and journey as a programmer. It is one of the most basic lessons that you need to learn over and over again because of new languages and innovations to the existing ones.
Even prominent developers look back to where they started and use it to continue on. In fact, one of the senior software engineers of Adobe, Gabi Ghita, started learning the very basic programming languages in an HC-85 computer with a measly 64KB RAM.
He further claims that the eureka moments in his career and everything he contributes to the industry now is an ode to how he started. You can be like him too. Something as simple as choosing the best programming language for your test automation can be a creative process because it goes to show how much you’ve grown as a developer. It also shows how much you are willing to learn and uncover as you immerse deeper into the industry.
Conclusion
The aforementioned list contains the programming languages that are seen to be the best as of recent years. Innovations or changes to another program can easily bump them off the list. But, what’s important is these languages are accessible, helpful, easy to learn, and have great supportive communities that are eager to help industry newbies.
Whether you settle for Python, Java, or Ruby, there is a need to make extra effort to learn everything from its roots. Just like looking back to your own roots to do the best for the task. Your career choices today are a reflection of how you started.
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