Once a software is developed and ready for launch – most software developers don’t spend the time and effort to check the software thoroughly for errors. There is no denying the importance of manual testing in software development and most agencies do use the 50: 50 manual: automation testing method – the former method does leave room for some errors.

Apart from minimizing errors, test automation is one of the most cost-effective and time-saving methods to testing software. What’s more,  the process also makes the life of a test engineer a lot easier too.

However, the success of automated software testing depends mainly on identifying the right tools for your project. But with the plethora of testing tools available, most software developers have a hard time selecting the right ones.

Here is a list of some of our favorite automated software testing tools;

Selenium:

Selenium is one of the best testing tools out there and is proudly supporting some of the largest well-known browser vendors including Firefox and Chrome. The testing framework can also be applied to major platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Selenium test script can be written in various programming languages such as Java, C#, Ruby, Python, PHP, JavaScript and Perl. Selenium also offers record and playback features along with its browser add-on Selenium IDE. The powerful Selenium WebDriver helps you create more complex and advanced automation scripts.

Price: It is free to download, however, depending on the tests you conduct, they will be charged by the brand.

Testing Whiz:

Testing Whiz is a test automation tool that allows code-less scripting by Cygnet Infotech, a CMMi Level 3 IT solutions provider. The tool’s enterprise edition offers complete package of various automated testing solutions like web testing, software tests, API testing, database testing, regression tests, mobile app testing, optimization, and cross-browser testing.

Testing Whiz offers features like record and playback test automation, object eye internal recorder, and complete integration with bug tracking tools such as Jira, FogBugz, and Mantis. It can also be integrated with test management tools like the HP Quality Center. Continuous Integration and Delivery in Agile cycles makes it more appealing to the consumers.

Price: Testing Whiz is available for a free 30-day trial after which the interested consumers can request for the paid plan according to their requirements.

Ranorex:

Ranorex supports more than 10,000 users worldwide and delivers high-quality desktop, web and mobile applications. Their flagship product, Ranorex Studio provides the users with all-in-one test automation across various devices. The automated testing tool can be used by teams of all sizes, skills, and methodologies.

With Ranorex, the software developers have the opportunity to benefit from several features such as;

  • Bug detection
  • Record and playback
  • Reusable test codes
  • And integration with various tools

Price: Ranorex offers a free trial after which the Premium Node-Locked and Premium Floating pricing plans are available. Interested customers can select one as per their needs and budget.

Watir:

Pronounced as ‘water’, Watir is an open-source web automation testing tool that is integrated with another tool known as Ruby.  With Ruby, Watir supports Internet Explorer on Windows as well as Firefox, Opera, and headless browser HTML Unit.

Watir allows the dev team to write tests that are easy to maintain and set a time according to their flexibility. Watir can read files, export XML, and structure your code for reuse later. It is also compatible with business-driven development tools like RSpec, Cucumber, and Test/Unit. It also tests the webpage’s buttons, forms, links, and their responses to minimize possible glitches and flaws.

Price: Visit  Watir to find out about the pricing plan that suits your needs.

Wercker:

Wercker is a Holland-based software firm that offers a platform for software development teams all over the world to build and deploy micro-services and applications. The tool is unique in that it sits between the code repository and the app. Whenever a change is made, the testing tool tests it in remoteness while also notifying you of any errors. This makes it easy for the development team to follow through with continuous integration and testing processes.

Wercker is customizable and teams can deploy their choice of code from any of the supported third-party integrations. It can also be combined with a bug tracking tool to enhance the quality of your software.

Price: The trial period of Wercker is free while different plans can be purchased at affordable prices.

Conclusion:

These were just some of the automated software testing tools that we think every software developer should include in their toolkit. Several others in the market are also known for their user-friendliness and effectiveness.  Whichever tool you decide to choose, make sure it fits all your testing needs.  And always opt for the free trial run before registering for the monthly/annual subscription plan.

Kamil Riaz Kara is an HR Professional and Inbound Marketer with a Masters in Administrative Sciences from the University of Karachi. He frequently blogs on marketing, management, technology, lifestyle and health and is associated with Setalks.  You can find him on LinkedIn