Advice on Self-Learning Test Automation with Selenium WebDriver

Self-Learning web test automation is possible, here are my practical tips

This is also included in my “How to in Selenium WebDriver” series.

Now and then, I receive requests for advice on learning test automation. The most effective way is to work with a real test automation mentor. For most, that might not be possible (unable to find one or unwilling to pay coaching fees). However, you can self-learn test automation. Here is my advice:

1. Make your mind on the test framework, not the tool

I highly recommend Selenium WebDriver + RSpec. Don’t fall into record/playback testing tools. Though they have been existing for over 20 years, history has proved they were wrong. Still, ‘new’ test automation tools in a form of record-playback come out and die every year.

Selenium WebDriver unquestionably dominates browser testing for a simple reason: Selenium WebDriver is a W3C standard. So you shall use Selenium WebDriver, period.

2. Scripting