Welcome to "9TAGG"
9 Golden Guidelines Manifesto for Test Automation
Vision:
"Vision is to transform the way test automation is perceived and implemented, guiding teams towards a holistic, intelligent, and future-proof approach. Aspire to lead a movement where automation is not simply a tool for efficiency, but a cornerstone of innovation, enhancing software quality, accelerating development cycles, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This vision aims to empower agile teams to strike the perfect balance between automation and human expertise, building testing ecosystems that are resilient, adaptable, and strategically aligned with long-term business and quality objectives. By embedding sustainable automation practices, we seek to redefine success in software development, ensuring that automation drives true value, fuels innovation, and supports enduring growth."
Mission:
"Test Automation is a cornerstone of Technical Agility, empowering Agile development teams to continuously deliver high-quality, adaptable software in response to evolving requirements. The mission of the 9 Golden Guidelines Manifesto for Test Automation is to establish a strategic framework that fosters sustainable and effective Test Automation practices. By championing principles of intelligent test design, targeted automation, and realistic goal-setting, these guidelines ensure that automation serves as a powerful enabler of agility rather than a bottleneck. Properly applied, they facilitate seamless integration, accelerate feedback loops, and ensure reliable, high-frequency deployments which are key elements in maintaining Technical Agility and delivering exceptional value to stakeholders."
9 Golden Guidelines Manifesto for Test Automation
- Understand that Test Automation Cannot Solve Everything in TestingTest automation is a valuable, but it is not a complete solution. It can't replace manual exploratory testing or human insights. Recognize its limitations and use it to complement, not replace, other forms of testing.
- Recognize that Test Automation Cannot Fix Test Strategic ProblemsAutomation won't repair flaws in your testing strategy or process. Poorly designed tests, gaps in test coverage, and inadequate planning cannot be overcome with automation. First, address fundamental strategic issues before automating.
- Prioritize Test Design, Test Data, and Test EnvironmentAutomation is only as good as the quality of the tests. Make sure that the test cases are well designed, that the test data is realistic, and that the environment mirrors production as closely as possible. Automating poorly designed tests will only result in automated failures.
- Aim for Meaningful Coverage, Not 100% AutomationStrive for effective test coverage, automating the most critical and repeatable test cases. Focus on high-risk areas and critical functionality rather than attempting to automate every test scenario.
- Do Not Try to Automate EverythingNot all tests are suitable for automation. Some tests require human intuition or deal with areas too unstable or costly to automate. Be selective in what you automate to ensure the Return On Investment is worthwhile.
- Avoid Building Overly Complex Automation FrameworksKeep the automation framework simple and maintainable. Over-engineering can lead to difficult-to-maintain code, increasing costs over time. Ensure that the framework supports scalability and flexibility but remains easy to understand.
- Don't Expect a Test Engineer to Be a Full-Fledged DeveloperWhile test engineers need scripting and coding skills, it’s important to remember that their primary role is in quality assurance. Balance the expectations, understanding that their focus is on improving quality, not writing production-level code.
- Don't Assume an Automation Engineer Will Automatically Be a Better TesterAutomation engineers bring valuable technical skills, but they may lack the domain knowledge or testing expertise that manual testers have. Effective testing is a blend of skills—technical proficiency alone is not enough.
- Test Automation is not about just Cost SavingsWhile automation can reduce manual effort over time, it's an investment that requires time, resources, and ongoing maintenance. Ensure realistic expectations about cost savings and long-term benefits, as automation will not immediately yield substantial financial gains.
About 9TAGG:
The 9 Golden Guidelines for Test Automation are the result of profound insights shared through a LinkedIn Thought Leadership Publication authored by Katuru Kalyan Chakravarthy. This publication has reached an audience of over 10,000+ professionals, spanning a diverse range of industries and expertise levels. The comprehensive nature of the guidelines, which address the practical realities and common misconceptions surrounding Test Automation, has made the publication a valuable resource for testers, automation engineers, and quality assurance leaders. These professionals have found the principles presented to be actionable, realistic, and aligned with the challenges faced in modern Software Test Engineering.
Moreover, the publication has received praise from 100+ professionals, reflecting its widespread impact and the resonance of its content with the global testing community. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with individuals and teams recognizing the importance of strategic thinking in test automation, the pitfalls of over-engineering, and the necessity of maintaining realistic expectations. Notably, the guidelines have been challenged or opposed by none, a rare feat in a field where opinions often diverge. This consensus underscores the clarity with which the guidelines were crafted, proving their relevance and value.
As a result of this broad acceptance and validation, the guidelines have been formalized as the 9 Golden Guidelines Manifesto for Test Automation. This manifesto serves as a trusted and comprehensive strategic framework for organizations striving to optimize their test automation practices. By addressing critical areas such as test design, automation scope, and the role of engineers in automation, the manifesto provides a structured approach that helps teams avoid common pitfalls and focus on delivering real value through automation. This definitive set of principles is now recognized as a key resource for anyone aiming to navigate the complexities of test automation in a strategic and effective manner.