Objects vs. Images: Choosing the Right GUI Test Tool Architecture
Most popular GUI test tools are based on an object recognition architecture. They recognize and manipulate screen objects by communicating with the underlying GUI subsystem. A new breed of tools has been introduced in the past few years that implements an image recognition architecture. These tools use sophisticated image processing and OCR technology to recognize objects by their appearance on the display. Image recognition-based tools have distinct advantages in some environments, but object-based tools are a better choice in other situations. Join Chip Groder as he compares and contrasts the strengths and risks with each architecture and provides guidance to help you decide whether an object-based GUI tool or an image-based GUI tool—or perhaps both—will perform best and meet your test automation requirements.
Senior test architect Chip Groder has more than thirty years of experience in software development, software testing, and software quality. Chip has helped multiple Fortune 1000 organizations achieve success with test automation by defining test automation architectures; assisting with the creation, selection, and implementation of test automation frameworks; and training and mentoring individuals and teams in the art and science of automating tests. Chip is an expert in keyword-based test design and has experience with dozens of test tools. In his leisure time he is usually in his shop restoring an old John Deere tractor or out riding his horse.