Comparing Automated Testing Tools: Selenium, TestComplete, Ranorex, and More

In a recent Capgemini poll, 48% of QA teams acknowledged that they mainly relied on manual testing. Even if we can not wholly eliminate manual testing just yet due to technological limitations, this is an intriguing fact. The purpose of test automation is to streamline the extensive project testing procedure that is impossible for a human to complete. It will pick up on nuances that people might overlook, particularly after several trials. Yes, there are still aspects of software, particularly its interface, that are too complex for machines to assess fully. Still, automation is unmatched in its ability to find bugs and record results.

Automated testing is necessary for any long-term engineering. Automation is essential for both repeatable testing and performance. That being said, why do so many development firms still use manual testing?

• Price: The advantages of testing automation are challenging to defend if you are not utilizing open-source solutions. Many businesses just do not have the funds to upgrade technology, engage additional workers, train staff, or purchase new software in order to automate their processes successfully.  It is challenging to compute ROI while you are concentrating on short-term goals.
• Momentum: Writing code to test other code is essentially what automated testing entails. The route to automation includes expensive costs when you factor in the time required to set up and maintain the infrastructure and acquire new skills. Occasionally, writing code will become more necessary than conducting tests.
• Lack of experience: Many smaller businesses feel they lack the knowledge or expertise needed to utilize testing technologies properly. It does not even take into account everyone who would rather concentrate on getting the product out onto the market than do extensive testing in general. Even in such a scenario, you will still gain from investigating solutions created primarily to make testing simple, rapid, and cost-free.

See our post on manual vs. automated testing for a detailed comparison of the two methods, as well as when to use each.  Take a look at our test automation tools comparison table before learning more about each framework to make sure you have considered all the drawbacks and decided you want to spend money on automated testing tools to get the most out of them. Take a look at our test automation tools comparison table before learning more about each framework to make sure you have considered all the drawbacks and decided you want to spend money on automated testing tools to get the most out of them.

Manual testers operate by navigating a program in the same way as an ordinary user would, laboriously examining each screen, experimenting with various inputs and actions, and ultimately identifying errors and documenting observations. A machine can click away from many lengthy, repetitive chores, but humans are still required to identify usability issues. Developers must first create test cases, though.

Manual testers do not need to be proficient coders, but automated testing has always assumed that developers wrote the testing scripts. Testers using this method must have some coding experience. Testers and developers have a standard skill set and are not housed in distinct departments within an Agile context.

Software for codeless testing is growing in popularity these days. Any member of the team can conduct tests thanks to several technologies available on the market that provide testing solutions without the need for coding. The capacity of a tool to convert written text into the programming language and conceal code beneath the layer of user-friendly UI makes this possible. This is still a somewhat constrained alternative, even though it would be ideal for a company with few developers. You miss out on customization and in-depth feedback that is stored in the core if you do not have access to the code. Each business must decide whether to use easily understood solutions or to let staff members pick up the fundamentals of a simple language like Python.

Now that we are clear on what automated testing is let us look at some possible fixes.

List of The 7 Automation Tool

1, Selenium WebDriver

We will not even attempt to be creative; instead, we will begin with Selenium WebDriver, which is arguably the most well-known automation testing option available. It supports a large number of programming languages, including Java,  Python, C#, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, and Perl. It runs on all three of the major desktop operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, it is free because it is open-source. It is an effective testing tool that works by directly interacting with a browser to automate. The developers of the tool also provide the restricted but helpful Selenium IDE plug-in for prototyping, which logs your activities and uses them for future testing.

The Benefits of Using Selenium WebDriver

• Big community. Since its introduction in 2004, the tool has received a lot of support. There are lots of blogs, forums, and discussion boards in this vibrant community that aid in problem-solving.

• Tests are conducted simultaneously. With Selenium courses in Pune, you can simultaneously run tests on several browsers on multiple machines. As a result, you significantly cut down on testing time, which is particularly useful for large projects.

• Assistance for mobile. Appium is an open-source solution that uses the same API as Selenium WebDriver to enable you to test mobile web, hybrid, or native apps using existing Selenium knowledge. If you are involved in mobile testing, we have a feature-rich article about Appium and other specialized technologies.
  
  

Where is the catch: Selenium WebDriver’s drawbacks

• Not suitable for beginners. It takes a technically qualified engineer to write scripts for Selenium WebDriver. Thus, you cannot delegate automated testing to less experienced team members.

• No picture confirmation. It is not possible to verify whether photos load or display correctly. You will need to accomplish it by hand or using another library.
  
  

When will Selenium be successful?

Notwithstanding the plethora of alternatives available on the market, Selenium remains a reliable option and a standard for any testing project. Plus, if you do not have much experience with programming, you may still use Selenium IDE, a prototyping tool.

2. TestComplete

One of the code-less technologies we previously discussed is TestComplete.This software is unique since it can automate testing for Internet, mobile, and desktop apps. TestComplete is a feature-rich software for everyday testing that may be used for data-driven, keyword, unit, functional, and many other types of testing. The range of languages and frameworks that support them is unlimited, including VB, JavaScript, JScript, C++, C#, Delphi, Angular, Ruby on Rails, PHP, and others.

You can alter your cost by selecting only desktop or mobile testing capabilities based on the modules you want (mobile, web, or desktop). Although you just need to buy the license once, you will need to pay for maintenance every year. Although it retails for less than many other tools, it can still be costly for newly established companies. If you would want to test it out before purchasing, there is a free 30-day trial available.  There are also paid online certification programs and courses available.

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Why it is good: TestComplete’s advantages

• Usability. Users without any programming experience can create and remove tests, alter parameters, and rearrange the order of tests using the integrated editor.

• Personalization. If you feel that the editing tool is not enough, you have the option to write or edit the script manually in addition to using the visual interface.

• Prompt updates. Since this is a business product, you should anticipate receiving a high caliber of upkeep, customer service, and updates. Additionally, the documentation is comprehensive, so you will not need to trawl through forums in search of advice or a solution.

• Assistance with desktop applications. TestComplete works with Windows apps, while Selenium can only run tests in a browser (and on mobile apps using Appium).
  
  

Where is the catch? TestComplete’s drawbacks

Not compatible with Mac. TestComplete does not support the testing of Mac programs. Get ready to invest in virtualization software if you wish to test iOS apps on a Mac. However, you can still test Windows versions of both iOS and Android apps, and this is true for all of the frameworks we will be covering today.

TestComplete is successful when?

TestComplete vs Selenium will always be a topic of comparison, regardless of its advantages. A team of less experienced engineers can find TestComplete to be a handy tool if funding permits. You can tailor the cost and take advantage of first-rate technical assistance by purchasing modules as needed. A single license costs approximately $4,600, and multiple licenses cost $9,000. You can buy individual modules for $2,600 each to personalize your order.

3. Tricentis Tosca

Agile and DevOps were considered in the development of Tricentis’ Tosca, a software product. Despite its well-known ability to cover any testing need, it is nevertheless simple to integrate with any testing software that the business currently uses. Similar to TestComplete, Tosca is compatible with desktop, mobile, and web applications (only Windows, Mac, and Linux with virtualization tools). Creating scripts is not necessary, but creating manual code is still feasible.

Even if the reviews claim it is a bit pricey, the sales team will assist you with unique pricing. You can always start with a trial to be sure; however, given the scope of Tosca’s powers, the price might be reasonable.

Why it is good: Tricentis Tosca’s advantages

• Excellent for ongoing integration. Tosca is a wonderful fit for the continuous integration workflow. This is a cutting-edge method that can conduct several tests a day and drastically save development time. Tosca may run test cases directly from them using scheduling tools and then return the results in the form of an XML file.

• Easy learning curve. The program is simple to set up and use, making it ideal for non-developers to begin automating testing immediately away.
  
  
  

Where is the catch: Tricentis Tosca’s drawbacks

Restricted body of knowledge. Very little community support is available because Tricentis’s own Knowledge Base and Forum are the sole active locations where you can submit your message. The documentation is simple to read; however, if you have worked with much more well-known solutions like Selenium, you might find yourself limited.

When does Tosca succeed?

Tosca’s skills in integrating several CI technologies are ideal for Agile development. Accenture, Capgemini, Deutsche Bank, and numerous more companies use this all-inclusive testing platform with a low entry barrier.

4. Katalon Studio

Based on Selenium WebDriver, Katalon is regarded as a more sensible and advanced version of Selenium. It has a robust, analytics-filled dashboard, is compatible with numerous systems for Continuous Integration, and offers templates and everyday tasks for keyword-driven testing.

Katalon Studio appears to have all the features that other tools do not. It runs on both Windows and Mac OS, allows web and mobile testing, is totally free, has a vibrant community, and an easy-to-use interface for beginners. Let us explore this cherished piece of software.

Why it is beneficial: Katalon’s advantages

• Excellent for pros and non-techies alike. Although Katalon conceals all of the complexity behind its user interface, proficient programmers can still access the scripting mode.

• Unified package. Configuring is really simple because you only need to download Appium + XCode/Node.js if you want to test on a mobile device.

• Lots and lots of tutorials. Katalon offers a neatly arranged collection of instructions, complete with pictures and videos to assist you. Besides the official help, there are a lot of free online classes and YouTube videos made by other testers.
  
• Reports with images. Katalon automatically converts your test results into useful graphs so you can understand how the execution is going.
  
  

Where is the catch: Katalon’s drawbacks

• Inadequate assistance for language. As of right now, Katalon can only run scripts written in Java and Groovy.

• Tiny but rapidly expanding community. Its large knowledge base notwithstanding, Selenium outnumbers it in terms of users. This suggests that it will be challenging for you to find up-to-date reviews and articles.
  
  

Katalon Studio succeeds when?

Startups and small to medium-sized teams with minimal IT resources actively employ Katalon. The extensive feature set and sophisticated scripting mode of the tool make it extremely valuable, even for seasoned testers. However, Katalon is not a good fit for big businesses if you are not employing its paid specialized assistance. Large-scale initiatives need a more developed community and better, stronger support, both of which Katalon is unable to offer at this time.

5. Unified Functional Testing (UFT)

Hewlett Packard purchased MicroFocus’ commercial tool UFT, formerly known as QuickTest Professional, in 2006. In its 2017 Magic Quadrant for Software Test Automation research, Gartner ranked it as one of the industry leaders, trailing only Tricentis Tosca. Using both manual scripting and keywords, you may carry out testing with this user-friendly, collaborative application. It includes a clever object identification feature, supports continuous integration (CI) tools, and offers web, mobile, and API testing.

Why it is beneficial: UFT’s advantages

• Testing from manual to automated. By enabling developers to capture previously conducted manual tests and export them as automated ones, UFT facilitates the process of manual testing. Its Sprinter program allows you to create automated test cases from execution reports.

• Capabilities for cooperation. With UFT, team members can store spreadsheets, functions, and artifacts in a shared repository.
  
  

Where is the catch: UFT’s drawbacks

• Supported in just one language. In UFT, the scripting language is VBScript. Nonetheless, given its reputation as one of the simplest programming languages, pros may find it to be less of a drawback.

• Cost. Given that it cannot test desktop apps like TestComplete can, the tool is among the most expensive ones on the list. Even though it is not very reasonable, for many developers, it can be a big stepping stone. You will pay $2,500 for a seat-based license good for a year and $3,500 for a concurrent license. Although they might include one in their custom enterprise package, UFT does not currently provide group discounts.

• Support is limited to Windows. The usage of UFT on a Mac requires additional software, much like with a number of other testing tools we have reviewed.
  
  

When does UFT become successful?

Large teams can benefit from its web, mobile, and API testing tools as well as collaborative features when working on a larger project. You must have an established testing framework in place or be prepared to set one up in order to reap the benefits of UFT and defend its cost.

6. Watir

Despite Watir’s simplicity and open-source nature, big companies like Yahoo!, HomeAway, and Slack use it for Web application testing in Ruby. Watir is limited to web apps and Windows only and is meant to run simple, easily manageable tests.

Why it is beneficial: Watir’s advantages

Language selection. One of the few programs that enables authoring scripts in the Ruby programming language is Watir. Because Ruby is so easy to use, quick to learn, and rapid to code, it is a prevalent language for testing. It might, therefore, be a huge benefit for Ruby devs. If, however, Ruby is not your favorite language, there is another way to use Watir. Utilize Watir’s simplicity by writing scripts in Java or .NET and utilizing its sister programs, Watij and WatiN.

Where is the catch: Watir’s drawbacks

• It can be overly straightforward. Watir does not make an effort to be anything more, and those that adhere to it seem to think it is acceptable. However, it is limited to usage in conjunction with other tools.

• Tiny town. Although there are not many online complaints regarding the software, there are not many written reviews either. Not only is it difficult to locate other developers, but Watir’s website only contains a limited amount of donated information and documentation.
  
  
  

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When does Watir Succeed?

Except when we are talking about Watij or Watin, Ruby developers will love using Watir. Its user list demonstrates that businesses of all sizes may successfully integrate it into their testing processes. Watir might be something to consider when expanding your testing toolkit and seeking flexibility.

7. Ranorex

One of the priciest and most feature-rich utilities we are reviewing today is Ranorex. It allows customization with third-party frameworks, a vast array of technologies and languages, automation for both novice and expert testers, and web, desktop (Windows only), and mobile testing.

Why it is beneficial: Ranorex’s advantages

• WebDriver integration for Selenium. You can use the enormous automated testing framework’s capabilities by developing Selenium WebDriver in the Ranorex environment. Because of this tight integration, Ranorex is able to address any issue that Selenium still has.

• Interface with CI technologies that is seamless. To effectively use Ranorex in CI development, you may easily integrate it with Jira, Jenkins, Bamboo, or TeamCity—the most widely used continuous integration services.

• Intricate GUI testing. Usually assigned to manual testers, visual interface testing is a challenging job. By applying object recognition and adhering to various user scenarios, Ranorex automates it and relieves testing personnel of tedious work.

• Cost. Considering how much capability it provides, the utility is kind of cheap. For $2,800, you may get a license for one person, and for an additional $850, you can add more devices and users.
  
  

Where’s the catch: the cons of Ranorex

• No Mac support. It is not possible to test Mac programs using Ranorex, another framework that is not compatible with Mac OS.

When will Ranorex be successful?

Ranorex is the automated testing solution of choice for companies like Siemens, Lufthansa, Cisco, Dell, and IBM. You may quickly expand your all-in-one environment with more widely used technology by using this tool. Larger budget firms can invest in Ranorex with confidence, while smaller teams may find it less appealing.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool

Before the formal testing phase starts, let your testers become more accustomed to the process.

Let us quickly review the essential factors that you and your group should think about when selecting an automation tool:

• Languages and platforms. You can see that not all of the solutions provide a large selection of scripting languages, so you might quickly rule out the tools that do not support your favorite technology. Given how limited the market is for Mac users, you might want to think about purchasing a virtualization tool.
• Coding abilities. When it comes to your testing personnel, flexibility is obviously something you want. There may come a moment when you want your experienced engineers to work on more challenging projects, even if you are not planning to bring in less experienced testers just yet. Choose a course of action that grants this liberty.
• Ongoing Integration. As continuous integration (CI) becomes the standard in the world of development and testing, it is preferable to concentrate on technologies designed to function well in an Agile setting. Find out which of your favorite scheduling programs they support and what additional features your team can utilize. To master the skills of industry experts at 3RI Technologies.