Functional software testing tools (which ones you should choose)

In our latest article we look at some functional software testing tools. We’ll also describe what these are and point out some things to consider when selecting which one to use. If you believe there are any tools which deserve a mention but are not listed here, then do let us know. Otherwise, good luck in your search and hopefully this piece will be of some value to you.

What are functional testing tools?

Simply put, these are tools used by software testers to test the functionality of a software application. Testers will typically measure performance in accordance with a set of requirements the application is designed to meet. The tools measure aspects including usability and software quality to ultimately evaluate whether or not the software can be used as expected.

In software testing, choosing the right testing tool is critical because the wrong tool can lead to a rise in cost. This is typically due to the testing having to be redone, which also then equates to a loss of time. It is therefore vital to know beforehand what you are testing and who will be completing the tests. You will need to consider important elements such as the programming language and environments to be used during testing. In addition, different skills are typically required to use the different testing tools available.

Key considerations when selecting the right tool

Does the tool fall within the budget set?

Cost is key on any project, and software testing is no different. Luckily then, there are numerous open-source frameworks available including Selenium and Appium.

How well does the tool fit in with your testing strategies?

The functional testing tools should be a good fit for the tests planned and designed by the team. They should also have the corresponding functions required to efficiently evaluate the software according to the tests.

Is technical support available for the tool?

Some features of commercial tools can be difficult to utilise properly, in which case a support mechanism can prove invaluable.

Does the tool have frequent updates?

In the continuously changing software testing environment, updates and improvements to tools are vital.

Does the tool provide robust reporting?

Within the software development life cycle, issues arising should be shared and communicated as quickly as possible. Good reports are therefore crucial, with ease of sharing and visualisation additional benefits.

A selection of tools to choose from

Here are some robust functional software testing tools for you to look at:

• Selenium (key features include CDP access, allowing testers to debug tests on the fly, and smart object detection)
• Appium (integrates with cloud environments plus offers cross-platform execution)
• Playwright (supports languages including TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, Java and .NET)

Have you used any of these? Which one(s) would you recommend? This list is of course not exhaustive but it is a very good place to start from. If your organisation requires additional software testing resources, then our experts are but a message away.

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