[ISTQB] 6.2 Effective Use of Tools: Potential Benefits and Risks (K2)

LO-6.2.1 Summarise the potential benefits and risks of test automation and tool support for testing (K2)

Benefits: 

Test automation and tool support for testing can:
- facilitate issues identification present in code via static or dynamic analysis (playback/capture tools) 
- allow to quickly assess software quality and delivers deliver real and lasting benefits as it is minimizing human effort in running low-value test cases. 
- facilitate access to testing information and detailed results (% coverage tests cases passed, incident rates, system behavior, performance..)
- make the test execution quicker, easier, consistent (objective assessment, response times logged) and less repetitive. For example, data driven testing and keyword driven testing are scripting technique used with test automation where all test inputs and expected results or keywords are stored in a table or spreadsheet and are used by the control script, it implies therefore automated testing of various use cases. 

Risks:

Test automation and tool support for testing can:
- lead to underestimating the time, cost, and effort required for introducing/maintaining any tool and achieving significant benefits additionally to the risk of setting unrealistic objectives (usability, functional testing).
- create over-reliance and disturb fit for purpose testing, increase risks in neglecting version control and forget about system interoperability.

LO-6.2.2 Remember special considerations for test execution tools, static analysis, and test management tools (K1)

Test execution tools use capture/playback techniques controlled by automated scripts so any instability or unexpected event can be noticed. Technical expertise in the scripting language is needed by testers for developing any test automation.

Static analysis (compilers) look for syntax errors in source code, enforcing the respect of coding standard by the system/software.

Test management tools should be interfaced with others tools such as requirement, incident, test execution tools for generating benefits. They allow monitoring and report analysis needed by the test leader and all stakeholders.