A Modular Driven Framework is a test automation framework where the application under test is divided into smaller, independent modules, each representing a part of the application, like login, search, checkout, etc. Each module has its own test script or function, which can be called individually or combined with others in different test scenarios. By organizing tests into modules, this framework enhances reusability, maintainability, and scalability, making it easier to adapt as the application evolves.
Key Features of Modular Driven Frameworks
Modularization of Test Scripts:
The framework divides the application into smaller parts or modules, each with its own set of actions and verifications. For example, a shopping application may be split into modules like Login, Product Search, Add to Cart, and Checkout.
Reusable Modules:
Each module acts as an independent function or script that can be reused across different test cases. This reduces duplication, as a single module can be referenced in multiple tests, leading to efficient use of code.
Encapsulation of Code:
The framework isolates code related to specific features within each module, keeping the test scripts cleaner and more focused. This also makes maintenance easier; if there’s a change in the application, only the affected module needs updating.
Easier Maintenance:
Since the application is broken into smaller, manageable pieces, any update to a part of the application only requires updating the corresponding module, not the entire test script.
Improved Scalability:
Modularization allows for the addition of new modules as the application grows. Each module can be created and tested independently, making it easier to scale and expand test coverage.
Pros and Cons of Modular Driven Frameworks
Pros | Cons |
High reusability due to modular structure | Initial setup requires thoughtful planning of modules |
Easier maintenance with isolated changes | Can become complex with a large number of modules |
Reduces code duplication | Requires good design to avoid redundant modules |
Scalable and adaptable as the application grows | Testers need to be familiar with each module's function and usage |
Structure of a Modular Driven Framework
Module Scripts:
Each module (e.g., Login, Add to Cart, Checkout) has its own script or function file. These modules contain code to interact with specific elements and perform specific actions within that part of the application.
Test Scripts:
Test scripts are composed by calling multiple module scripts in the sequence required to complete a test case. For instance, an end-to-end test might call Login, Product Search, Add to Cart, and Checkout modules.
Helper/Utility Functions (optional):
Additional reusable functions, like waits or logging, are stored in helper files to further support modularity and reduce duplication.
Example of a Modular Driven Framework in Selenium with Java
Let’s consider an example with a basic shopping application, which includes the Login, Search Product, and Checkout modules.
Step 1: Define Each Module as a Separate Script or Function
import org.openqa.selenium.By; import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
public class LoginModule {
WebDriver driver;
// Constructor
public LoginModule(WebDriver driver) { this.driver = driver; }
public void login(String username, String password) {
driver.findElement(By.id("username")).sendKeys(username); driver.findElement(By.id("password")).sendKeys(password); driver.findElement(By.id("loginButton")).click(); }
}import org.openqa.selenium.By; import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
public class ProductSearchModule {
WebDriver driver;
// Constructor
public ProductSearchModule(WebDriver driver)
{ this.driver = driver; }
public void searchProduct(String productName) {
driver.findElement(By.id("searchBox")).sendKeys(productName); driver.findElement(By.id("searchButton")).click(); }
}import org.openqa.selenium.By; import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
public class CheckoutModule {
WebDriver driver;
// Constructor
public CheckoutModule(WebDriver driver) { this.driver = driver; }
public void proceedToCheckout() { driver.findElement(By.id("checkoutButton")).click(); }
}Each of these modules performs a distinct action and can be reused independently across different test cases.
Step 2: Write Test Scripts by Combining Modules
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver; import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver; import org.testng.annotations.AfterMethod; import org.testng.annotations.BeforeMethod; import org.testng.annotations.Test;
public class ShoppingTest {
WebDriver driver;
LoginModule loginModule;
ProductSearchModule searchModule;
CheckoutModule checkoutModule;
@BeforeMethod
public void setUp() {
driver = new ChromeDriver();
driver.get("https://example.com");
// Initialize each module with the driver instance
loginModule = new LoginModule(driver);
searchModule = new ProductSearchModule(driver);
checkoutModule = new CheckoutModule(driver); }
@Test
public void endToEndShoppingTest() {
loginModule.login("validUser", "validPassword"); searchModule.searchProduct("Laptop"); checkoutModule.proceedToCheckout();
// Additional assertions and verifications here }
@AfterMethod
public void tearDown() { driver.quit(); }
}In ShoppingTest.java, different modules are combined in a sequence to perform an end-to-end test. Each module handles a specific aspect of the workflow, making it easy to maintain, update, or replace as needed.
Advantages of Using Modular Driven Framework in Large Applications
Increased Reusability: Each module can be reused across multiple test cases, making it efficient to create comprehensive test scenarios.
Better Organization: Test cases are constructed by combining modules, creating a clear and logical structure that’s easy to manage.
Ease of Maintenance: Modifications to the application require changes to only the affected module, not the entire test suite.
Scalability: As new features are added to the application, corresponding modules can be developed and integrated without affecting existing tests.
Tools Supporting Modular Driven Frameworks
Selenium WebDriver: Commonly used for web applications with modular frameworks.
Appium: Supports modular testing for mobile applications.
TestNG or JUnit: Helps organize and execute modular tests with annotations and reporting capabilities.
Cucumber: Allows for BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) integration with modular approaches by mapping Gherkin steps to modules.
Summary
A Modular Driven Framework is a practical approach to creating organized, scalable, and maintainable test automation for applications with multiple features. By dividing the application into independent modules, this framework enables test cases to be created by combining various modules, making it easy to manage and scale. While the initial setup may require careful planning, the long-term benefits—especially in terms of maintenance and reusability—make it a solid choice for dynamic and evolving applications.