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Autotest: Test-Run Defects

Autotest: Test-Run Defects is a powerful tool for ensuring the reliability and functionality of your applications. Understanding how to identify and troubleshoot common error patterns that cause test defects is crucial for maintaining smooth operations. In this blog post, we will explore the most frequent causes of test failures and provide practical tips for identifying and resolving them.

Autotest: Test-Run Defects Navigating First Steps

Navigation Failures

First and foremost, navigation failures are a common issue. These occur when the test script cannot navigate to the intended page. To troubleshoot this, you should:

  • Verify the URL or navigation path used in the test script.
  • Check if recent UI changes or updates in ServiceNow might affect navigation.
  • Ensure that the correct user roles and permissions are assigned.

Tackling Element Not Found Errors

Element Not Found

Additionally, “Element Not Found” errors can disrupt your tests. These happen when an expected element is missing. To address this, you need to:

  • Confirm the element’s locator (e.g., XPath, CSS selector) is correct.
  • Check if the element’s visibility depends on certain conditions, such as scrolling or hovering.
  • Ensure the page has fully loaded before the test attempts to interact with the element.
  • Look for any recent UI changes that might have altered element identifiers.

Overcoming Autotest: Test-Run Defects Timing Issues

Timing Issues

Timing issues, which cause timeouts or unready elements, are another frequent problem. To mitigate this, consider the following steps:

  • Add explicit waits to ensure elements are loaded and ready for interaction.
  • Review and adjust timeout settings to allow for sufficient loading time.
  • Use dynamic waits based on the condition of the element.

Ensuring Data Integrity

Data Dependency

Moreover, tests often fail due to missing or incorrect test data. To ensure data integrity:

  • Verify the required test data is correctly set up and available.
  • Ensure data is in the expected state before the test runs.
  • Check for data cleanup issues from previous test runs that might affect current tests.

Perfecting Assertions and Verifications

Assertions and Verifications

Tests can also fail due to assertion errors. To troubleshoot these:

  • Double-check the expected values and conditions in assertions.
  • Ensure the application state matches the expected state before assertions are made.
  • Verify the assertions are correctly placed in the test script.

Addressing Environmental Issues in Autotest: Test-Run Defects

Environmental Issues

Environmental issues can also cause test failures. To address these:

  • Confirm the test environment is stable and accessible.
  • Check for network issues or downtime in the ServiceNow instance.
  • Ensure all dependencies (e.g., third-party services) are functioning correctly.

Avoiding Script Errors

Script Errors

Script errors, such as syntax or logic mistakes, are another common cause of test failures. To avoid these:

  • Review the test script for syntax errors or logical mistakes.
  • Utilize debugging tools to step through the script and identify issues.
  • Ensure the test script follows best practices and standards.

Keeping Up with UI Changes

UI Changes

UI changes in your application can also lead to test failures. To stay ahead:

  • Keep track of recent updates or changes to the ServiceNow platform.
  • Update test scripts to accommodate changes in the UI layout or element identifiers.
  • Communicate with development teams to stay informed about upcoming changes.

Resolving Authentication Issues

Authentication Issues

Authentication issues can also disrupt your tests. To resolve these:

  • Verify the correct credentials are being used.
  • Ensure the test environment allows automated scripts to log in.
  • Check for any multi-factor authentication requirements that need to be addressed.

Handling Integration Points

Integration Points

Integration points with other systems can cause test failures if they are not functioning correctly. To handle these:

  • Confirm integrated systems are available and functioning as expected.
  • Check for any changes or updates in the integration points that might affect the test.
  • Ensure any API endpoints used in the test are accessible and returning the expected responses.

Avoiding Field Name Errors in Autotest: Test-Run Defects

Copy and Paste of Field Names with Extra Spaces

Lastly, tests can fail due to field name errors, especially when there are extra spaces. To avoid this:

  • Check the field name for any leading or trailing spaces.
  • Remove any extra spaces and ensure the field name matches exactly.
  • Use a trimming function to clean up field names before using them in the test script.
  • Verify field names in the application to ensure consistency.

Resources for Autotest: Test-Run Defects

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