There are literally hundreds of programming languages, ranging from most popular and frequently used to those that are no longer utilized. For example, the TIOBE index lists as many as 256 of them, starting from FoxPro (a discontinued text-based procedural programming language) to Z Shell (zsh, for short, and actively in use). The number of open-source projects based on a language, the number of searches on search engines are a couple among the barometers for the prevalence of programming languages.
As you read, one question that may crop up is: What are the uses of programming languages? In other words, what purpose do they solve?
They range from high-level to low-level languages: the latter being syntax-friendly for machines and the former easier to understand and compile for humans. Java, JavaScript, Python are examples of high-level programming languages, while C, C++, with no automatic memory management and lacking in robust frameworks, are now considered low-level languages.
These languages solve various purposes. Python, for example, is used for data mining and data visualization; its libraries NumPy, SciPy, TensorFlow are used for developing machine learning algorithms; to build web applications and more.
Among other uses of programming languages is their application in test automation, a subset of QA services. It allows testers to accelerate software validation and expand testing coverage.
Python
Object-oriented and functional, it offers multiple advantages in test automation.
It allows programmers to ascertain if functions or classes are better for the task at hand. This is a boon for test automation as stateless functions prevent side effects and simple syntax makes them readable.
Python’s frameworks for test automation include PyUnit/UnitTest and pytest, utilized for selenium test automation to perform cross-browser testing on desktop and mobile devices.
Python’s duck typing feature is useful for test automation because feature tests don’t have to be fussy about types.
Many manual software testers benefit from Python’s low learning curve as it helps complete the process quickly.
Java
Java’s extensive platform of test frameworks, packages and educational resources makes it one of the best programming languages for test automation.
It also provides a powerful command line, an easy build integration, IDE support, among others.
It’s based on the write-once-run-anywhere principle and provides cross-platform advantages.
By integrating JUnit (an open-source Unit testing framework for Java) with Selenium WebDriver, developers can automate tests for web applications. JUnit also helps developers and testers by providing short test cases.
C# (C-Sharp)
Loaded with powerful features and because of its compatibility with Selenium WebDriver, C# is among the popular programming languages used for test automation and comparing and analyzing a website’s behavior and performance in different browser environments.
It is best suited for testing applications on the Android, Windows and iOS platforms.
NUnit, MSTest, xUnit.Net are among the commonly used Test automation frameworks in C#.
Testers can use the Page Object Model design pattern to write an efficient and a sustainable test code.
JavaScript
A text-based programming language, it’s best for test automation of web applications.
Accessibility of frameworks for creating and constructing test cases ”Jest, Jasmine, Nightwatch, Mocha are popular ”for end to end testing and unit testing stands JavaScript a desired language for automation.
The Jasmine framework, for example, is favored for front-end testing, while Mocha is preferred for both front-end and back-end testing.
JavaScript, together with Selenium WebDriver, can perform automated UI testing of applications. JavaScript also provides efficiency with its structured functions and patterns, making the test script compact.
PHP
The acronym for Hypertext Processor and a server-side scripting language, PHP is used for unit testing and end-to-end testing using behavior-driven and test-driven development.
BeHat, Codeception, Laravel Dusk, PHPUnit are among the commonly used PHP testing frameworks, each providing benefits in the test automation process.
BeHat, an open-source testing framework, enables logic removal from the behavior test.
Codeception is one of the widely-used framework in PHP because of its high execution speed, while it’s used for acceptance testing, unit testing and functional testing of web applications.
PHPUnit is also an open-source testing tool that extends test cases based on requirements.
Laravel Dusk allows programmatical testing of applications, including testing if an application works as desired with a browser.
Ruby
Being an array-based programming language, Ruby works best with ordered data sets (website).
Similar to Python, Ruby, too, has an easy learning curve, making it easier to learn for new test automation professionals.
Armed with specialized functions, Ruby allows testers to make methods during runtime.
Test automation scripts can be written faster on Ruby, which helps when the automation process needs to be completed within a short turnaround time.
Ruby is also used for Selenium test automation as it supports the Selenium framework. Capybara and RSpec are among the common Ruby test frameworks.
Conclusion
Programming languages used for test automation differs between software testers and organizations, often based on the available local support and familiarity with languages for developing applications. However, the primary goals are that the tests are completely automated, are self-checking and therefore detect and report errors without manual intervention, and are repeatable, which means they can be run multiple times to attain the same, desired result.
