What Are The Pitfalls Of Robot Frameworks?
Robot Framework is a framework for generic test automation. It creates test scripts using a keyword-driven syntax that is simple to understand. The scripts are easy to comprehend, even for non-technical persons. In this blog, we have discussed the pitfalls of robot frameworks; join Robot Framework Test Automation Training In Chennai at FITA Academy to know more about robot frameworks.
Pitfalls And Bad Practices
Every tool has flaws, and the Robot Framework is no different. This section contains several pitfalls that I’ve discovered when working with Robot Framework throughout the years.
1)Forgotten Abstraction Rule
To begin with, Robot Framework is a programming language that adheres to the same generic rules as any other language. Abstraction is one of the rules that is frequently overlooked. One of the most important rules in software design is to encapsulate behaviour and decouple parts. A test automation framework created in Robot Framework, like any other piece of software, requires restructuring from time to time. A framework with enough abstraction levels makes refactoring and extending certain functionality easier. Abstraction layers also improve code readability because the script communicates behaviour rather than implementation.
2)The Infamous Keyword Pollution
Another typical issue I’ve encountered is the dreaded term pollution. Keyword pollution happens when numerous keywords all fulfil the same function. Someone creates a new keyword for a test case without knowing the currently available keywords. A test automation engineer notices that the keyword does not yet exist and then ties actions to it without checking whether a similar keyword exists. It is also critical that appropriate maintenance be performed on the framework to remove comparable keywords and undertake a comprehensive examination before just binding a new keyword to actions.
3)The Use Of “Sleep.”
Aside from hazards, I’d want to discuss some common bad practices. The use of the word “sleep” is one of them. The Sleep keyword is typically used to synchronise tests with the test object. Because executing code is usually considerably faster than reacting to a test object, test engineers commonly utilise “Sleep” to synchronise both. A “wait” is a much better way to go. While Sleep stops the test for a predetermined amount of time, Waiting only stops it for as long as needed. We’re frequently talking seconds here, but this is one of the most significant test automation framework performance improvements.
4)The Lack Of Validation In The Test Script
Another bad practice is failing to include visual validation in test scripts. When reviewing a test script in a framework, I frequently notice that the validation is not visible. When testing online services, this is a prime example. In this scenario, a keyword executing a REST request is written, and the request is already validated with a “200 OK” status code. A better method would be for the keyword to execute the REST request and return the status code and message. You may validate your status code in your test script rather than within the keyword. In this manner, a test engineer can easily see which validations are being evaluated during this test script. To learn more about test script validation, join Robot Framework Online Training.
Thus the pitfalls of robot frameworks are the forgotten abstraction rule, the infamous keyword pollution, the use of sleep and the lack of validation in test scripts.