In the world of software testing, automation has become a game-changer. But don’t be fooled into thinking that automation testing is a breeze with no prior skills required. To excel in this field, you need a strong foundation. This article is your roadmap to success in automation testing, whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning from manual testing. We’ll cover the basics, including programming languages, SQL queries, and automation tools. We’ll even delve into the importance of manual testing. So, let’s take the journey together, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a rewarding career in automation testing.

1. Become an expert in Programming Languages

You’re completely mistaken if you think that knowledge of coding or programming is not required to work in automation testing. You must, in fact, possess a thorough understanding of programming languages and the corresponding principles. You will become more at ease performing several essential tasks for automation testing, including unit testing, task automation, code review, and many more. In the meanwhile, you can begin learning some of the most difficult programming languages, such as C/C++, Java, Python, Perl, etc., from a variety of online or offline resources. Additionally, it’s advised that you get familiar with a number of well-known Operating Systems, like Linux, UNIX, etc., as well as the corresponding tools & commands.

2. Gain knowledge of SQL Queries and Databases

Okay, let’s move on to the next important technical talent you need to have in order to become a successful automation testing professional: knowledge of SQL queries and databases. You must be fluent in both database operations and basic Structured Query Language (SQL) principles such Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Definition Language (DDL), Transactional Control Language, and Aggregate Functions. Although you don’t need to have a thorough grasp of every relational database, you may start by learning about Oracle, MySQL, etc. to have a sense of how databases are managed. To gain greater exposure in the testing sector, you are also necessary to be conversant with a variety of data types, like XML, JSON, etc.

 3. Recognize the Basics of Automation Testing

Let’s take a closer look into automation testing now. To do so, you must comprehend a number of essential and foundational principles. You must first familiarise yourself with the Automation Testing Life Cycle (ATLC) concept and related procedures. The structural testing procedure, which entails numerous phases for all the necessary testing activities, is often the focus of ATLC. The several ATLC stages are as follows:

• Defining the Test Automation scope
• selecting the appropriate automation tools
• Design, strategy, and test plan creation
• Constructing a Test Environment
• Automation test script creation, execution, analysis, and creation of test reports

For a more sophisticated perspective on automation testing, you must also concentrate on a number of other ideas in addition to ATLC, such as Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery for Testing, comprehension of APIs, etc.

4. Become acquainted with tools for Automation Testing

The most important step in getting ready to enter the automation testing field is to become familiar with the tools used. To get the greatest exposure, you must practise using these tools as often as you can and be familiar with its features, requirements, restrictions, etc. You will gain some in-depth understanding of the testing domain through working with automation testing tools that you would not acquire from reading theory or going to seminars. There are several testing automation solutions available, including Selenium, Test Complete, Appium, etc. In addition, there are a number of other useful tools for Defect Tracking, Test Management, and other important duties in addition to the fundamental automated testing tools.

5. Gain practical knowledge of Manual Testing

Right about now, you may be wondering why you would need to get experience with manual testing before moving on to automation testing. Okay, let’s get this straight away: Manual testing was undoubtedly the first and ruled the relevant sector for a considerable amount of time, even flourishing in the modern era of automation testing. Consequently, using Manual Testing will enable you to become familiar with the fundamental ideas and various supporting processes of the Testing industry. Additionally, it will assist you to find a variety of exciting employment prospects since many IT juggernauts look for candidates with some manual testing expertise when hiring for Automation Testing Professionals.

Once you have mastered the above mentioned techniques and methods, you can narrow down the Testing firms depending on your interests and apply for internship opportunities or even employment to begin your career. In addition, you’re highly encouraged to concentrate on a number of non-technical or soft skills that are also necessary for building a successful career in automation testing. Skills like Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Effective Communication, Time Management, etc. are a few that need unquestionably be taken into account.

Let’s proceed to talk about a few important and popular certifications for automation testing that you may choose from to evaluate your abilities and knowledge and to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. ISTQB Test Automation Engineering Certification, Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE), ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Test Automation (ICP-ATA), and others are some of the most popular credentials for automation testing. In addition, the following list of highly suggested books might assist you in your study efforts and help you get ready for these certification exams:

• Use of Test Execution Tools Effectively in Software Testing
• Bruce A. Posey and Daniel Mosley’s Just Enough Software Test Automation
• Author Jonathan Rasmussen’s The Agile Samurai
• Arnon Axelrod’s Complete Guide to Test Automation

This is a comprehensive road map that you must adhere to in order to have a successful career in automation testing. And yes, you may still use the methods outlined above to transition to the area of automation testing if you’ve already started your career in testing or have a respectable manual testing job. In the approaching years, automation testing will undoubtedly see impressive development and job opportunities for people!!