What is Automation Framework? 

A Test Automation Framework is a set of assumptions, concepts and practices that provide support for automated software testing.

• Provide overall structure for test library  
• Ensure consistency  
• Reduce amount of code to develop, maintain  
• Maximize reusability
• Shield non-technical testers from code  
• Enable automation using data  

Automation Framework Types

• Modular framework  
• Data driven framework  
• Keyword driven framework  
• Hybrid framework 

Modular Framework

Test Script Modularity Framework Create small, independent scripts that represent

modules/functions of AUT.  
Test Library Architecture Framework
Create library files that represent modules/functions of AUT
Data Driven Framework

Test script used repeatedly with varying input and response data that comes from a predefined data set

Can be implemented using Datapools in RFT

Most easily implementable framework in RFT  

Reduced coding for large test cases  

Allows easy testing of otherwise time-consuming , cumbersome test cases

Keyword Driven Framework

Keyword driven or Table driven testing  

Data & keyword tables that are independent of automation tool  

Functionality of AUT documented in table format  

Hybrid Framework

Most commonly implemented framework  
Combines the 3 frameworks  
This framework evolves over time and projects  

Choosing and Implementing the Framework

Gather requirements
Decide on the tool
Application Under Test
 

Elements of a Framework  
Shared common/reusable components
  - Setup
  - Drivers
  - Context management
  - Error handling
  - Recovery
  - Cleanup
  - Reports
Library of common functions
Coding Guidelines
Documentation
Test case design
Test data