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Desktop Automation: Choosing the Right Tools and Top Picks

Desktop Automation-ACCELQ
Posted On: 15 April 2023

Discover more about desktop automation, a rising trend in testing. Despite the popularity of web and mobile computing, desktop applications have their advantages, from offline convenience to user control. Analysts predict the desktop software market will triple by 2028, driven by interface improvements, system upgrades, and Covid-19-induced changes. However, testing desktop applications presents unique challenges, including compatibility issues and vulnerability to OS and hardware changes. Desktop automation offers a solution to manage the testing process and improve efficiency.

What is Desktop Automation?

Desktop automation is an automated software testing framework used to validate the functionality of desktop applications. The word “functionality” encompasses the GUI, the underlying code, usability, compatibility, etc.

It’s noteworthy that desktop automation takes place at various levels. There’s the automation of the application’s components, the application’s interaction with the host environment and other applications, and the application’s interaction with the user.

Essentially, the idea is to ensure constant testing of the underlying application so that it doesn’t break or malfunction when faced with a change in the workflow, scale, or purpose of the operation. This might sound like a cliche testing mantra, but it’s particularly relevant with desktop-based systems that adhere to a set of configurations and underlying conditions.

The fact that desktop applications become more vulnerable to changes in their environment is a major concern. The main reasons are maintenance, modification, and testing process for applications that are time-consuming and expensive. Automation, thus, becomes a necessity, especially when the application is mission-critical.

How to Choose Automation Tools for Desktop Application?

The options for automation tools are many and varied. Choosing something without paying close attention to it first can result in issues. Here are a few factors that one should consider while selecting the desktop test automation tool

Whether the Tool is Multipurpose

Although most tools are designed to be used just for that purpose, there are some exceptions. The ones worth looking at are the ones that are capable of operating under a range of systems and have support for multiple programming languages.

The Functionality of the Tool

The functionality of the automation tool is also worth considering. Demo and Trial versions are ideal to evaluate this aspect. Also, make sure to ask if the tool supports specific add-ons and plug-ins.

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Technical Requirements

Another factor to consider is the technical requirements of the tool you choose. For example, some automation tools require an application server, and others don’t. Similarly, some support specific operating systems and do not cater to others.

Whether the Documentation is Comprehensive

Last but not least, you should take the level of documentation of the tool into account. This is an essential aspect as it indicates how easy it is to train someone in automotive software testing.

What are the Top Desktop Automation Tools?

While there are various tools available for desktop test automation, the following are a few of the most popular and highly-rated options. Please note that the list, by no means, is exhaustive and is just meant to provide a quick-glance reference.

Top desktop automation tools-ACCELQ

1. AutoIT

As an open-source automation tool, AutoIt is extremely popular among programmers, web developers, and IT professionals alike. It’s a simple scripting language best suited for automation tasks as it facilitates seamless interaction with standard Windows controls – all while being extremely easy to learn and use.

ACCELQ employs AutoIT for Window-GUI automation. First off, the logic for interacting with the screen and other controls is implemented as a set of scripts. These scripts or the interactional logic can then be automated using AutoIT scripting.

2. Jubula

Jubula is a free, open-source automation framework designed for GUI testing for Java and HTML applications as part of the Eclipse Technology Project. It provides an extensive range of functions, controls, and actions that make it perfect for automating virtually any application on the desktop.

This tool can also test applications based on Swing, RCP, SWT, etc., by adding in plug-ins. In turn, significantly boosts its versatility and test coverage.

3. Winium

Selenium-based, Winium is a profound automation framework that’s both easy to understand and convenient to use. The good thing is that it’s open-source. Moreover, you can train them using the programming language of your choice (multi-language support expedited).

4. Appium

Although Appium is a mobile automation tool, it serves pretty well when leveraged for desktop automation. There are dedicated Appium capabilities for Windows desktops. For that, however, the tool uses Microsoft’s WinAppDriver. Appium stands out for it’s familiarity with testers. This is because they have already used it for cross-functional testing.

5. ACCELQ

ACCELQ is an automation testing tool that allows for easy and efficient desktop automation. With ACCELQ, testers can automate both UI and non-UI applications, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing. The tool offers a range of features such as drag-and-drop functionality, reusable components, and pre-built test libraries, making it easy to create and execute automated tests. ACCELQ also offers support for various technologies, including Java, .NET, and SAP, as well as integrations with popular tools like JIRA and Jenkins. With its user-friendly interface and powerful automation capabilities, ACCELQ is a great choice for desktop automation testing..

Conclusion

All in all, the concept of desktop automation is not a new one. However, it’s high time to realize its importance. Implementing it will help get more and better results with greater efficiency, quality assurance, and testing coverage. This is especially relevant for organizations with a lot to lose if their applications break or malfunction.

GEOSLEY ANDRADES

Director, Product Evangelist at ACCELQ.

Geosley is a Test Automation Evangelist and Community builder at ACCELQ. Being passionate about continuous learning, Geosley helps ACCELQ with innovative solutions to transform test automation to be simpler, more reliable, and sustainable for the real world.

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