Automation - Myths and Truths

TEST AUTOMATION IS SIMPLE, THAT EVERY TESTER CAN DO IT

 This myth is promoted by the tool sales people. They are trying to promote the following test automation process: 

 - Record the script 

 - Enhance the script by adding functions and data driving

 - Run the scripts

 - Report results 

 Under the influence of this myth the QA manager can proudly report: All our testers are developing test automation.

REALITY - TEST AUTOMATION IS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TASK 

 Automation should be designed, developed and tested  You need to have some kind of a programming background to implement test automation. Test Automation is not as complex as C++/C#/Java development.  Test automation standards should be developed  Automated test components are assets that should be treated like application source code