At work, one of my tasks is to automate test cases (for regression testing, smoke test and new functionalities). In this post I’ll try to explain and describe the environment I’m using and how to install it.

Summary:

• I’m using RIDE (Robot Framework IDE) with AutoIT and Selenium libraries to automate and manage test suites and cases. I have them installed in an XP SP3 machine. I wrote an INSTALLATION GUIDE for this in a previous post.
• I use Subversion for control test cases versions; and Jenkins for schedule and review results of test cases executions. I have both installed in an Ubuntu 11.04 machine. I wrote an INSTALLATION GUIDE for this in a previous post.

Hardware:

• There are many possibilities to deploy this environment. Actually I’m running all this in the same physical machine using two virtual machines (with Virtual Box): one is the XP machine that I’m using to develop and running the automated tests and the other one is the Ubuntu machine. It would be better to use a real machine for server. I’m trying to get it.
• You will need for this a typical PC with at least 3 GB of RAM and enought space in the hard drive to store virtual machine and test suites data. My PC has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and it works fine.
• Needed machines for your own automation environment can be many more depending on the number of tests you are planning to execute, the duration of these tests, the complexity of the application/web/software you are going to test.

Short description of the Automation process (with links and aditional software):

1. For web automation I use Seleniun IDE (a Firefox Add On) to capture web events and actions.
2. I develop my test cases using RIDE.
3. I TEST THE TESTS!
4. During this time I use Tortoise (a Subversion client) to update Subversion repositories in the server and have full control of test cases versions. This is very important when you are working with other testers in a team.
5. I use Jenkins to schedule test executions.
6. I use Jenkins to review test executions results.

WHAT TO INSTALL AND HOW TO:

1. Install RIDE with all the software needed.
2. Install Subversion and Jenkins.
3. Install TortoiseSVN in the machine with RIDE installed.
4. Synchronize your developed Test Suites with Subversion.
5. Configure Jenkins.

HOW IT WORKS:

• Here you have an Start-to-End example of Test Automation. Hope it helps!