What is no-code test automation? A detailed look

Code-based test automation has been the traditional method for conducting automated testing. It involves using code to create automated test scripts, which is a challenge for people with no programming experience. With this approach, you’ll need a skilled professional who spends more time writing code and might also make mistakes in the process.

However, no-code test automation eliminates the need for someone with coding skills to carry out tests. With no-code test automation, both technical and non-technical users can perform testing.

This guide will provide you with an understanding of no-code test automation. You’ll learn how this compares with traditional automation testing, its benefits, how it works, and how it can be implemented into your workflow.

What is no-code test automation?

No-code test automation is a software testing approach that uses tools to carry out testing without the need to write any code. It eliminates the stress and complexity of manually writing code or creating test scripts.

This type of testing approach is ideal for non-technical users, especially those who cannot write code or use a specific framework for building test scripts. With the no-code approach, tests are built using a model-based approach, record-and-playback functionality, or drag-and-drop actions.

These tools are designed to simplify the testing process, reduce the dependency on developers, and make testing faster.

How no-code test automation works

No-code test automation works by using tools with their built-in features to easily design, run, and manage tests without coding. These tools simplify the entire testing process so both technical and non-technical users can contribute. Here’s how it works:

1. Test creation

In no-code tools, test creation usually involves drag-and-drop interfaces, record-and-playback actions, or simple visual workflows. Instead of writing test scripts, you can launch the no-code tool and use it to interact with the application you want to test. This works by navigating through your application while the tool records your actions in the background. The tool then translates these actions into a test flow.

2. Test execution

Once a test is created, it can be executed with a single click. The no-code tool simulates the user interactions defined by the test flow, like clicking buttons, filling out forms, or navigating pages. Many no-code platforms also support cross-browser or cross-device testing to ensure the application functions properly in different environments.

3. Test maintenance

Maintaining tests is easy with no-code tools. When there’s a change in your application, you can update the tests by simply re-recording actions or adjusting visual blocks. Some tools also include self-healing capabilities, which automatically resolve minor issues when there’s a change in the application. This saves time and effort.

Benefits of no-code test automation

One of the main goals of automation in software testing is risk reduction. As Frank DeGeorge, CTO for Impact Networking, says, “The purpose of automated testing is to reduce the risk of failure of your application.” No-code automation supports this goal by making testing more accessible, consistent, and error-free. Here are some key benefits of no-code test automation:

No coding skills required

This is one of the biggest advantages of no-code test automation. You don’t need to write any code. It makes things easier for non-technical users like QA specialists, business analysts, or product managers. They can create and run tests without depending on developers.

Saves time

Creating and maintaining tests is much faster compared to traditional scripting. This is made possible through the drag-and-drop interfaces, reusable components, and record-and-playback features. As Torbjorn Gyllebring, CTO at Hubert, says, “Automation is a bit like a cheat code for software testing: using this hack, you can practice agile testing without having to do it all manually.”

Easy to use

No-code tools are designed with simplicity in mind. Their interfaces are usually simple and don’t require any prior experience with automation frameworks, which reduces the learning curve for new users.

Simplifies test data management

Many no-code tools include built-in features for managing test data, like data binding, templates, or integration with spreadsheets, making it easy to test different scenarios without manually setting up everything.

Highly scalable

No-code test automation can grow with your team. As your application expands, you can quickly build more tests, reuse components, and run tests in parallel across multiple devices or environments without needing to write more code.

No-code test automation vs. traditional test automation

Both no-code and traditional (code-based) test automation help improve testing speed and accuracy, but they work in different ways. While their names give you an idea of how each one works, this section breaks down the differences to give you a clearer understanding.

Implementing no-code test automation in your workflow

Implementing no-code test automation is way easier than traditional testing methods. You don’t have to do any complex set up or write any code. As Eliyahu M. Goldratt once stated, “Automation is good, as long as you know exactly where to place the machine.”

Here’s a general way to start using no-code automation tools for testing in your workflow:

1. Choose a no-code tool: Start by choosing a no-code tool for test automation that aligns with what you want to achieve. Look for tools that support your type of application (web or mobile) and have a simple interface. Tricentis Tosca provides a codeless and model-based approach to test automation, which allows you to test your application much faster.
2. Set up your testing environment: Most no-code tools are cloud-based, so they’re easy to set up. Just sign up, log in, and connect the tool to your app. For some tools, you might need to install a browser extension.
3. Create your first test: Use the tool’s visual interface or record-and-playback feature to build your test. Interact with your application like a normal user would by clicking buttons, filling out forms, and navigating pages. The tool will record your actions and turn them into a test flow.
4. Run the test: After building your test, run it to make sure everything is working. Many tools let you run tests with just a click and even schedule them to run automatically.
5. Review results and resolve issues: Once the test is complete, review the results through the tool’s dashboard. If a step fails, you’ll get clear feedback so you can fix it quickly.

• Maintain and improve tests: As your application changes, you should also update your tests. Some tools offer smart updates or self-healing features to help you keep tests up to date.

Challenges of no-code test automation

No-code test automation also has some limitations that you should be aware of before implementing. Here are a few of them:

• Limited customization: No-code tools are built to simplify the testing process, and sometimes they lack the features needed for complex test scenarios. If your team needs to handle complex test cases, a no-code solution might not be a great fit.
• Tool limitations: Each no-code platform has its own features, and not all tools support every type of application or testing environment. You may find that some tools don’t work well with your stack or lack support for advanced test types.
• Scalability for large teams: No-code tools are great for small teams. A large number of tests across a big team can be difficult to manage without good collaboration features.

Use cases for no-code test automation

No-code test automation can be applied to various aspects of testing due to its flexibility. Below are some of the common use cases where no-code automation fits in:

Visual testing

Visual testing ensures your application looks good on different devices and browsers. With no-code tools, you can easily create tests that check the UI of your application, such as layout and fonts.

Regression testing

Regression testing ensures that new updates or features don’t break existing functionality. No-code test automation makes it easier to run repeated tests quickly and consistently. This helps you detect issues on time.

Functional testing

Functional testing focuses on verifying if the core features of your application are working as expected. No-code tools allow you to build functional tests that imitate real user actions (like clicking buttons and submitting forms) to ensure everything is working properly.

End-to-end testing

End-to-end testing ensures that your entire application works perfectly from start to finish. With no-code tools, you can easily set up end-to-end tests that simulate how users interact with your app, checking that all parts of your application interact seamlessly together.

Conclusion

No-code test automation is changing the way teams perform testing. It makes it easier for both technical and non-technical users to create, run, and maintain tests.

While it may not be the perfect fit for every scenario, it’s a powerful option for teams looking to simplify their testing process. If you’re exploring no-code testing solutions, Tricentis Tosca is a solid option designed to simplify testing for both technical and non-technical teams.

This post was written by Chosen Vincent. Chosen is a web developer and technical writer. He has proficient knowledge in JavaScript, ReactJS, NextJS, React Native, Node.js, and databases. Aside from coding, Vincent loves playing chess and discussing tech-related topics with other developers.