Unleashing the Power of Automated Test Framework (ATF)
Ramya Priya Balasubramanian
Practice Head
December 6, 2024
Automate testing that maintains instance integrity with minimal effort
Not having the required structure and systematic approach to creating, executing, and managing tests is a huge drain on resources. Studies show that a whopping 20% of a project’s budget is spent on testing. That does not factor-in the cost of human errors that impede on a project’s lifecycle later down the line.
Enter ServiceNow Automated Test Framework (ATF) —a game-changer designed to automate testing within your ServiceNow instance. ATF, which is active by default and available at no extra licensing cost, helps you maintain your instance’s integrity with minimal effort.
Understanding the Building Blocks of ATF
What are Tests and How Do They Work?
At the heart of ATF are tests, which allow you to create structured test cases that can automatically validate specific features or capabilities. By adding test steps, you can execute organized processes that report both the status of each step and the overall outcome. Whether you’re validating a single feature or a related set, tests provide a clear pathway to ensure everything works as intended.
Grouping Tests: The Power of Test Suites
To manage multiple tests efficiently, ATF introduces test suites—collections of tests executed in a defined sequence. These suites make it easy for test designers to orchestrate the testing process for an entire application or related features. You can even schedule the execution of these suites, ensuring comprehensive testing without the manual overhead.
Quick Start Tests: A Head Start on Validation
For those looking to hit the ground running, ATF offers quick start tests. These pre-configured tests can be copied and customized to fit your instance. They’re particularly useful for validating functionality after configuration changes, but keep in mind that they typically require the default demo data to yield a passing result.
Analyzing Test Results
Every execution of a test or test suite generates a test result, stored in the Test Result Table. These records contain crucial information about the progress of your tests, including screenshots and logs for deeper insights into any failures. To keep your environment clean, ATF automatically deletes results after 30 days unless you choose to retain them indefinitely.
Scheduling Tests: Automate Your Workflow
One of ATF’s standout features is the ability to schedule test suites to run at specific dates and times. By creating a schedule, you can assign tests, ensuring that designated users are notified upon completion. This automated scheduling saves time and reduces the risk of overlooking critical tests.
A Quick Example to Illustrate ATF’s Functionality
Let’s walk through a simple scenario to see how ATF can streamline your testing process:
- Create a User: Begin by creating a new user.
- Open a New Form: Navigate to the form you wish to test.
- Field State Validation: Validate that the fields behave as expected.
- Field Values Validation: Ensure the correct values are displayed.
- Submit the Form: Test the submission process.
- Run the Test: Execute the test to confirm that everything works flawlessly.
By following these steps, you can quickly ascertain whether your modifications maintain the intended functionality of your ServiceNow instance.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Testing with ATF
The ServiceNow Automated Test Framework is more than just a tool; it’s a comprehensive solution that enhances your ability to deliver high-quality applications. With its user-friendly interface, built-in scheduling, and detailed reporting, ATF empowers organizations to automate their testing processes effectively. So why wait? Embrace ATF and take your ServiceNow instance to the next level!
Author
Benjamin Samson
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