Linear Scripting Framework: The linear automation framework is a first generation testing method for automated software testing and the simplest framework approach. Appropriately named, this framework guides software testing in a sequential fashion with little to no modification. This method is also known as “record and playback” and is used to test a web application’s user interface (UI). Testers record their step-by-step actions with the UI and then play back the recorded tests without focusing on reusing the test. This type of framework is used to test small-sized applications.
In this type, the creation, and execution of test scripts are done individually for each test case individually. Testers capture each test step such as browsing, navigation, user inputs, enforcing checkpoints. Testers then play the scripts to carry out the tests.
Advantages of Linear Scripting Automation Framework:
Can generate test scripts (Record and playback) without planning much or consume much time
Coding knowledge is not required
A quick way to generate test scripts
Very little planning is required
Disadvantages of Linear Scripting Automation Framework:
No reusability at all
Hard coding the data doesn’t allow us to run with multiple data sets
Maintenance is high – It requires a lot of effort to do even small changes.
While the cons outweigh the pros, this method can be used when your aim is strict to accomplish a task without validations.
Consider an example where you have a test case to login to application, search for some data and then logout. In linear framework, the code would look like something shown below. 1. Code to Open Application 2. Code to enter user name in Login Page 3. Code to enter password 4. Click on Login button and verify successful Login 5. Search for the required data 6. Logout from the application 7. Close the application
As you can see in the above example, you are not doing much in terms of framework creation with this type of Linear Framework. Hence this is the simplest framework to use and implement.