Continuous Testing vs. Test Automation

Continuous testing and test automation are a complement to each other, but they are not the same thing. Both have their unique ways to help DevOps and continuous delivery. So what are the differences between continuous testing and test automation? Before learning the difference, let’s see what continuous testing and test automation are.

What is Continuous Testing?

Continuous testing is a process of achieving continuous quality improvement. It identifies and addresses the risks associated with the software release. Continuous testing focuses on implementing autotests in the software delivery pipeline. Frequent feedback reduces business risk and provides strong insight.

Benefits: Here are the top benefits of continuous testing:

· Fast delivery

· Remove bottlenecks and ensure high-quality code

· Frequent feedback

· More agile and reliable

· Enhance stable user experience

What is Test Automation?

Instead of manually testing, automation testing uses special automated testing software to test all the steps. Besides testing, this software can enter test data, compare them with accurate results, and provide a helpful test report. It ensures zero-human touch and improves ROI.

· Benefits: Here are the top benefits of test automation:

· Both time and cost-effective.

· As no human intervention is required, testing can be performed anytime.

· Faster process

· Wider test coverage area

· 100% error-free.

Continuous Testing vs. Test Automation

Continuous testing and test automation have three key differences: risk, breadth, and time. Let’s take a look at the details:

Risk

With the increasing complexity, business risk is also increasing. Continuous testing measures the risk and provides detailed insights. But it doesn’t provide any review of the high-scoring risks. On the other hand, test automation is more concerned about preventing high risks. It is not bothered about low-grain tests being valuable.

Breadth

According to continuous testing, tests must be broad enough to detect a change that can negatively affect the functionality. It is concerned about end-user protection. According to test automation, a block test can fail or pass the interface test. But the changes do not affect the overall user experience.

Time

In continuous testing, and all completed testing is ready before the testing phase begins and under control. Thus it speeds up the process. On the other hand, test automation focuses on testing the internal systems. These systems are built to meet the development process of the waterfall.

Automated testing and continuous testing both are helping DevOps and Continuous delivery at the same time. Continuous testing is a relatively new term. Businesses are using it to achieve CI/CD. To get the maximum quality output, combining continuous testing and test automation is the best solution.