Applying Agile Principles to Test Automation Development

Why do test automation implementations often result in budget and schedule overruns and often diverge from the test objectives they were meant to support? Because test automation is a form of software development—but rarely is treated as such. Lee Barnes discusses how the application of software development practices, specifically agile principles, to test automation efforts helps ensure a reliable and maintainable solution that is closely aligned with both testing AND business objectives. Benefits of incorporating agile practices in test automation development include: increased customer involvement and visibility, scope flexibility, and budget and schedule control. Lee presents techniques for mapping agile processes, artifacts, and tools to test automation development projects. Discussion will cover topics of agile components including user stories, task board, backlog, and definition of done in a test automation context. In addition, Lee will examine the evolution of test automation artifacts over the course of several sprints. Take back techniques and examples for applying agile development principles to test automation efforts.