Action Broker for Multi-Path Test Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software testing methodologies face challenges in efficiently executing test cases across multiple execution paths, such as UI and API paths, due to limitations in automation tools that require awareness of available implementations and specific path formats, leading to inflexibility and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A broker-based system that selects automation implementations using a priority list and converts results between different execution paths, allowing test cases to execute actions through multiple paths without awareness of specific implementations or path formats, enabling flexible switching between UI and API paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated tests are run by simulating user input through UI paths, then the tests can verify graphical user interface functionality, but the execution time and complexity increase compared to API-based approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between UI path and API path implementations based on priorities defined in the priority list and availability of implementations. The broker can switch execution paths during test case execution, allowing the system to adapt to different conditions and optimize execution time while maintaining UI verification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The action broker serves as an intermediary between the test case execution engine and multiple automation implementations. It manages the selection and coordination of different execution paths (UI and API), converting results between paths and enabling the system to leverage both approaches without direct coupling between test cases and specific implementation details
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple automation implementations are maintained for the same action through different execution paths, then the system gains flexibility and reliability, but the device complexity and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The action broker is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple types of automation implementations (UI path, API path, and future paths) through a unified interface. The priority list data structure provides a universal mechanism for managing multiple execution paths, allowing the system to maintain flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The broker acts as an intermediary layer that abstracts the complexity of multiple implementations from test cases. It centralizes the logic for selecting between UI and API paths, converting results between different path formats, and managing implementation availability, thereby preventing complexity from propagating throughout the entire testing system
3Manufacturing precision
If test cases are tightly coupled with specific automation implementations and path formats, then the implementation can be precise and efficient, but the ease of operation and maintenance decrease when modifications are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the test automation architecture into distinct components: test cases that define what to test, the broker that manages how to test it, and multiple independent automation implementations that execute specific paths. This segmentation allows each component to be modified independently without affecting others, maintaining precision while improving maintainability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic selection of automation implementations based on the priority list and availability conditions. Test cases remain abstract and implementation-agnostic, while the broker dynamically resolves which specific implementation to use. This allows precise test execution through multiple paths while maintaining ease of operation, as test cases don't need to be rewritten when implementations change
Data Source
AI summary
A test case can be run with actions from the test case being executed in multiple execution paths. This can be done with the aid of an action broker. For example, the broker may identify available automation implementations for the actions and use a priority list to select between available automation implementations for executing an action from the test case. The broker may also perform conversions of results of actions for use by implementations executing other actions in different execution paths, as well as passing results between implementations in different execution paths.