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5 Key Types of Test Automation Frameworks

A test automation framework is nothing but a set of instructions that define how a test case should be executed by the test automation tool so that one gets the desired results/outcome. Test execution is nothing but an action to be performed, and like many other actions that are defined by a set of guidelines, such as boarding a flight or scuba diving, there are certain pointers, which when followed, helps bring more accurate results, prevents errors and reduces chances of failure.

The guidelines that a test automation framework brings to the table include coding standards, treatment of object repository, data handling and the likes, which are to be followed during the scripting process. It is important to note that these are guidelines and are not compulsory for test case executions. You may choose to do away with them completely, but you’ll miss out on the benefits that a framework has to offer. Here are the 5 key types of automation frameworks commonly used in the industry.

1] Linear Scripting Framework

Also known as “Record & Playback”, it is the simplest form of test automation framework that exists. This framework involves manual recording of each execution step by the QA team, such as Navigation & User Input, in the very first round of testing. The subsequent rounds only involve Playing Back the recorded scripts.

Pros:

The quickest method for script generation.
Makes it extremely easy to learn about the tool.
Requires no prior automation expertise to be carried out successfully.
Cons:

Does not allow script reuse.
Maintenance can be a challenge.
Script has data hardcoded into it.
2] Structured Scripting Framework

In this framework, test scripts are initially recorded using the “Record & Playback” method and the next step involves identification & grouping of common tasks inside the scripts into Functions, which are used by the main test script to create test cases.

Pros:

Higher levels of reuse of codes.
Easier script maintenance.
Automation scripts less expensive.
Cons:

Expertise in automation is mandatory.
Preparation of test cases can be time-consuming.
Test data is hard-coded within the code.
3] Data-Driven Framework

In this framework, Test Case logic remains within the test script while the Test Data resides outside of it. Instead, it is read from external files and attached to the variables inside the Test Script.

Pros:

Test Script modifications do not affect Test Data.
Multiple sets of data can be used to execute Test Scripts.
Different types of scenarios can be easily executed.
Cons:

Planning and execution takes time.
4] The Keyword-Driven Framework

In the Keyword-Driven Framework, development of data tables and keywords is mandatory, and this applies to any automation tool that you may use for execution. It involves documentation of the functionality of the application to be tested in a tabular form, as well as in the form of step-by-step instructions. Most automation tools today, such as QARA Enterprise and Katalon Studio, are based on the Keyword-Driven Framework.

Pros:

Very high re-usability of the codes.
Independent of the test tool used.
Independent of the Application Under Test (AUT).
Cons:

Can be expensive.
Requires high levels of automation expertise.
5] The Hybrid Framework

Just as it is evident from the name, the Hybrid Test Automation Framework is a result of the combination of one or more of the frameworks we have discussed above, and it possesses the strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks that are combined together. Interestingly, most frameworks evolve into a Hybrid framework over the course of time, and after being used in multiple projects. The most common combination prevalent in the industry is that of the Keyword-Driven Framework and the Structured Scripting Framework.

Pros & Cons:

Depends on the frameworks chosen to create the Hybrid Framework.

Every test automation framework out there has its own set of pros and cons and which one you choose depends entirely on the requirements of your team. Knowledge about the many frameworks will help you make an informed decision when it comes to the choice of the right automation tool as different tools are based on different frameworks.

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Partnership Law: A General Overview for Professionals

A business partnership is a very special relationship. From the moment you team up with other likeminded business partners, your destinies are intertwined. Whether your enterprise flourishes or the partnership dissolves, the legal attributes of your partnership will play an important role.

Co-owners who share profits are partners by default

A partnership is defined legally as an association of two or more persons who operate as co-owners and share profits. To become a partner, an individual may make an investment of startup money, offer his or her services or both.

No written documentation is required to create a general partnership. If you are acting like partners (i.e., operating as co-owners and sharing profits), you are deemed to be part of a legal partnership. This is important because partners have certain legal rights and obligations. Of course, it is always recommended to have a written partnership agreement!

Partnership duties, rights and liabilities

In the absence of a written agreement, partners do not draw a salary and share profits and losses equally. Partners have a duty of loyalty to other partners. This duty means that, for example, partners must attend diligently to their responsibilities in the conduct of the business, and must not to enrich themselves at the expense of the partnership (for instance, a partner may not accept personal kickbacks for agreeing to a deal with a supplier at an inflated price). Partners also have a duty of accounting to the partnership, meaning they must be open and honest in disclosing business information to other partners.

Each partner also has rights, many of which derive from the right to see other partners live up to their duties. Unless the partners have agreed otherwise, each partner also has the right to participate in the day-to-day management of the business, and, importantly, to bind the firm in any act done in carrying on the business.

Since you are liable for the acts of a partner made in carrying on the business, it is imperative to choose your partners carefully, and, when necessary, to protect yourself to the extent possible through a written agreement or legal action. In a partnership, you are personally liable for business obligations; this means that if your partnership incurs debt or legal liability that the partnership cannot afford to pay, creditors are able to seek recompense by going after your personal assets.

Written partnership agreements

Even though no written agreement is required to establish a partnership, many partners choose to put a partnership agreement in place. A partnership agreement can modify the default partnership structure to better fit the needs of the individual business. Strong partnership documentation can help prevent disagreements and give the business a more well-defined direction.

A limited partnership is a special type of partnership that does require written documentation. In a limited partnership, limited partners invest money, but retain little or no control over the partnership’s operations. Unlike in a general partnership, limited partners cannot be held liable for debts incurred by the partnership.

Learn more from a partnership dispute attorney

If problems have arisen in your partnership, there are legal strategies that can help you resolve them. If you do not have a partnership agreement in place, or if your partnership agreement does not address the particular issues that have arisen in your partnership, it is especially important to get the help of an experienced partnership dispute lawyer. Talk to an attorney today to learn more.

Article provided by Brown & Charbonneau, LLP
Visit us at www.bc-llp.com

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What to Expect from the HRMS Recruitment Module

HR departments in the modern organizations have a lot of things to take care of, with the increasing number of employees and the increasing need to focus on employee benefits and happiness. In such a scenario, what the HR needs is an automated Human Resource Management System (HRMS) that can automate the many aspects of HR functionalities.

Talking about HRMS software, you have quite a few really comprehensive ones available today that cover every aspect of the HR functionalities, through separate modules for each. Some modules that new age HRMS software like Digital HRMS, Zoho People, and BeehiveHR offer include recruitment, leave management, HR administration, separation, etc.

The HRMS recruitment module comes with several features that cover every step of the recruitment process. The following are a few functionalities that you can expect from the recruitment modules we have today.

1] Easy Customization

Not every organization is the same and just like any other area of operation, the approach or the process involves in recruitment is not the same for every organization. A good HRMS recruitment module is one that allows you to customize its features to meet your needs. While the basic flow of the recruitment process likely remains the same, there will be additional steps an organization has to follow. The ideal one should be able to take these differences into account and still produce the best results.

2] Automated Applicant Tracking

Automated applicant tracking is a feature available with the new age HRMS recruitment modules that is highly useful in saving the time of the recruiters. This feature tracks each and every applicant and the exact stage of the recruitment process they are in, and all this information can be presented just at the touch of a button. This data makes it easy for recruiters to manage the recruitment process more effectively.

3] Automated Resume Processing

Also known as resume parsing, this feature enables the HRMS recruitment module to automatically scan the resumes of the applicants and extract key information, such as name, position applied for, contact details, etc. This information is then used by the platform to sort the applicants accordingly. In doing so, the platform creates a ready database of candidates to approach to in case there is a vacancy for any of the positions.

4] Provision for Social Media Sharing

Social media is slowly becoming an integral part of the recruitment process. Organizations today are using social media platforms to post job openings, and some companies also believe in going through an applicant’s social media profiles before shortlisting him/her. Modern HRMS recruitment modules offer a social media sharing feature to facilitate easy social media sharing

5] A Link to Your Career Page

Every business website these days has a career page, where the organization advertises the current openings in any given time. There are also several renowned job portals where organizations may post their job openings. Now, candidates would apply on all portals, which makes it essential to manage the data from each source and integrate them together. New age HRMS recruitment modules integrate data by linking to each of these portals, including your career page.

So, the recruitment module of today has quite a few features that are built-in to cater to the evolving needs of the recruitment teams in modern enterprises. The platforms also offer many benefits that make the process of recruitment more effective and makes it easy for organizations to find the right candidates in the shortest time and with the least effort.

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