What is the first thing you should do about this problem?

You are working as a TAE for a company who have been using a web test execution tool for a number of years. The tool has been used successfully on ten web applications in the past.

The company are developing a new web application which has a friendly User Interface, but the developers have used an object throughout the application which the tool is unable to recognise. As a result, you have no way of capturing the object or verifying the contents using the automation tool.

What is the first thing you should do about this problem?
A . See if the application can be run on a desktop and if the object can be recognised on the desktop by the tool.
B. Investigate whether the object can be recognised by other test execution tools in the market
C. Ask the developers to remove the object and replace it with some text fields
D. Ask the developers if they can change the object to something that can be recognised by the tool

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

It is common in software testing to encounter situations where test automation tools are unable to recognize certain objects or elements within an application. In such cases, the first step is usually to collaborate with the development team to identify whether the problematic object can be replaced or modified to become recognizable by the automation tool.

This is generally the most efficient and cost-effective approach because it allows you to continue using the same test automation tool without the need for additional training or license costs that may come with switching tools. It also keeps the test environment consistent and doesn’t require the redesign of the test cases that are already automated. The other options either involve possibly unnecessary tool or platform switching, or suggesting changes that may not suit the application’s requirements.

Of course, if changes to the object or application aren’t feasible, then other options such as switching tools or finding workarounds may need to be explored. However, the first step should be to communicate with the developers and investigate a potential quick fix to the issue.