Keyword-driven Testing - Anatomy of a Successful Automated Testing Framework

Key-word driven test automation also commonly known as Table Driven test automation is typically an application-independent automation framework.
Keyword-driven testing is a technique that separates much of the programming work from the actual test steps so that the test steps can be developed earlier and can often be maintained with only minor updates, even when the application or testing needs change significantly. In key-word driven testing, keywords are actions which are nothing but the tasks to be executed in a test.
A keyword-driven test, the functionality of the application-under-test is documented in a table as well as in step-by-step instructions for each test.

Base requirements of Keyword Driven Testing are:
- Test development and automation must be fully separated.
- Test cases must have a clear and differentiated scope.
- The tests must be written at the right level of abstraction.

Test creation in keyword-driven testing is divided into two stages:
- Planning Stage which includes determining the objects and operations to test and to determine customized keywords.
- Implementation Stage includes building object repository and develop keywords in function libraries.

Concepts of Keyword-driven testing are:
- Keywords such as click, enter and select.
- Business templates such as login and enter transaction.
- Action Words, or short "Actions".

Benefits of keyword driven testing are:
- It is appropriate for non-technical staff.
- Re-usability.
- Maintainability.
- Data-driving capability.
- Eligible to test-first programming.

Keyword-driven testing should improve test management with easy test case writing, editing and sharing and with no programming required. Design test cases earlier in the development process so you can find and fix defects sooner and reduces the testing efforts and cost effective.