Codeless Web Testing Framework Using Page Object Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual test scripts for website testing are brittle and time-consuming to maintain, especially in agile software development, as they require frequent re-recording and editing due to UI changes, impeding development efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A codeless automated web-testing system that uses a data-driven approach with a page object design pattern, storing webpage details and actions as metadata, allowing for dynamic generation and updating of test scripts without manual recording, thereby reducing the need for manual coding and re-recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual test scripts are created using recording approach, then test automation can be set up, but the test scripts become brittle and require complete re-recording when website changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest automation setupVSAvoidtest script stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments test scripts into modular components using page object design pattern, where each page or component is represented as a separate object with standardized methods. This segmentation allows individual components to be updated independently when website changes occur, rather than requiring complete re-recording of entire test scripts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (page objects) between the test execution engine and the actual website elements. This intermediary abstracts the website structure, allowing test scripts to remain stable while the underlying website changes. The page objects serve as mediators that handle the mapping between test actions and website elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If manual test scripts are created and maintained, then website testing can be performed, but significant time and effort are expended on creation and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewebsite testingVSAvoidtime for creation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where test scripts are automatically generated and maintained through the standardized page object framework. When website changes occur, the system automatically detects and updates the affected page objects without requiring manual intervention for complete re-recording, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes page object definitions in advance as a preliminary action, creating a reusable framework before actual test execution. This preliminary structuring of test components allows for rapid test script generation and reduces the time required for both initial setup and ongoing maintenance of automated tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If recording approach is used to capture test cases, then test steps can be captured and reused, but any website changes require entire re-recording process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest case reusabilityVSAvoidease of updating test scripts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting test scripts into reusable page object components with standardized methods, the patent enables selective updating of only the affected segments when website changes occur. This eliminates the need for complete re-recording while maintaining the ability to reuse established test patterns across multiple test cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If manual test script maintenance is performed, then test scripts can be updated, but agile software development is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest script maintenanceVSAvoidsoftware development speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated detection and update mechanism operates autonomously to maintain test scripts, eliminating the manual maintenance burden that impedes agile development. The system automatically identifies website changes and updates the corresponding page objects and test scripts, allowing development teams to maintain rapid iteration cycles without being bottlenecked by manual test script updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11138097B2Automated web testing framework for generating and maintaining test scripts

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 AETNA INC

AI summary

Methods for generating and maintaining test scripts for automated web testing are provided. A method for generating test scripts includes: receiving a series of steps defining a procedure; linking keywords in the series of steps with functional objects; dynamically arranging the functional objects according to the series of steps; generating the test scripts from the arranged functional objects; and sending the test scripts to a testing manager. A method for maintaining test scripts includes: determining a change in steps of metadata; identifying a position within a test script affected by the change in steps; updating row(s) within the test script based on the change in steps; and providing the test script to the testing manager. Embodiments of the disclosure enable a codeless automated web-testing framework based on a non-recording approach, which avoids manual coding or recording of test scripts, thereby accelerating website system testing and reducing associated time and costs.