Key Factors & Features Influencing Selection of Open Source Functional Test Automation Tools

Abstract

Software Testing is an integral part of high quality software development process. To enhance quality, IT Companies are spending huge amount of money, labor and time on testing efforts. Test Automation tools help speed up testing effort, improve quality and also reduce cost in the long run. Currently, a combination of Open Source and Commercial Test Automation tools are employed to perform Functional Testing activities. With wide adoption of tools like Selenium, Open Source Functional Test Automation tools are accepted as a viable alternative for Commercial Tools. Professionals involved in the selection and purchase of a new Test Automation Tool or replace an existing tool are reviewing and analyzing various factors and features that drive them to select a particular tool. Research Reports, Tool Adoption Trends in Industry and Comparative review of various Test Automation Tools are some of the sources for them to guide their tool selection decision. As Open Source tools are accepted as viable alternative to Commercial tools and are highly economical, an empirical assessment focusing on the factors and features influencing the selection of these Open Source Functional Test Automation tools is attempted. This research aims in identifying the key factors and features that influence the selection of these tools by surveying IT Companies located in India who have already adopted these tools.