Eggplant tool for innovative test automation

Nowadays, when software plays a key role in all areas, it is important to ensure that it is reliable and functional. Testing is an essential part of software development and finding effective testing tools is a priority for every developer and tester. In this article, we will focus on one of the latest automation testing tools, Eggplant (Eggplant Test Automation Tool).

What is Eggplant testing tool?

Eggplant is a software testing automation tool developed by TestPlant. Its main feature is the ability to simulate user interactions and test software on a variety of platforms and devices, including mobile phones, tablets, computers and even IoT (Internet of Things) smart devices.

Testing with Eggplant allows users to test the functionality and performance of the developed application on any device or operating system, regardless of the programming language.

Using one or more scripts, users can create test scenarios involving the core functionality of their developed application that test its functionality across multiple devices or operating systems.

It can be installed and run on Linux, MacOS X and Windows operating systems. The Eggplant automation testing tool also offers integration with application lifecycle management software including HPE Quality Center, IBM Rational Quality Manager and Jenkins.

Eggplant automation testing

Eggplant automation testing is a process where testing is performed using automated scripts and tools within the Eggplant testing environment. This approach enables faster and more efficient software testing compared to manual testing. Eggplant automation testing provides test repeatability and improves the overall quality of the software by detecting bugs and issues before deployment to production.

Eggplant performance testing

Performance testing is part of the Eggplant testing environment, which specializes in application performance testing. This type of testing focuses on verifying how the application behaves under load and whether it can maintain the desired level of performance. Eggplant allows you to simulate a large number of users, queries, and load situations in order to identify application limitations and potential bottlenecks.

How does the Eggplant testing tool support automated application testing?

The software works on the basis of a two-system model:

  • The first is the machine or device on which the Eggplant testing tool is installed and running.
  • The second is the system under test (SUT), which is the machine or device running the application under test. The SUT can be a desktop computer, a virtual machine or a mobile device.

Eggplant Functional uses a virtual network computer connection to link the two systems. Once the connection between them is established, the user can communicate and control the SUT. Users then use the Viewer window to capture images of the elements on the SUT with which the Eggplant test tool should interact and possibly execute tests on. These captured images indicate which objects within the application the user wants to test using the Eggplant functional tool.

Once image capture is complete, users create one or more scripts that tell the tool what to test at the selected image location(s) on the SUT. Scripts can be used as many times as needed to validate different application processes on different devices and operating systems. Both scripts and captured images can be managed from the Suite tool window, which is the central location for all testing functions of the Eggplant testing tool. The Schedules window of the application testing tool allows users to automate the order in which all scripts are run.

Once all scripting tasks have been scheduled, testing can begin. Only one script can be executed at a time (this script can test on multiple devices and operating systems). Users can view data about actively running scripts from the Run window.

After the scheduled scripts are completed, users can view statistics and run information from the Results tab, located in the Suite window, to analyze the results and determine what, if any, action needs to be taken to fix functionality or performance issues. The Eggplant testing tool also offers an integrated debugging environment to troubleshoot problem areas.

For more information click on Eggplant tutorial or youtube tutorials.

Where is Eggplant used?

The tool is best suited for organizations that plan to develop and run one or more complex applications. Flexible licensing options make it suitable for use by individuals or development and testing teams.

It is used, for example, in the field of:

  • AVIATION AND COSMONAUTICS – Critical applications require zero margin for error and non-invasive, safe testing. Leading organizations including NASA rely on Eggplant software.
  • IT – As enterprise applications become increasingly complex, Eggplant’s automation testing tools accelerate updates and simplify fixes across the entire technology stack.
  • HEALTH CARE – Better patient outcomes, regulatory compliance and reliability through automated testing of healthcare systems, such as EMR/EHRs, and medical devices.
  • RETAIL – Speed up processes at all customer touch points, from checkout to web.

Eggplant advantages

  • Cross-platform support: Eggplant allows you to test your software on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. This means that developers can ensure that their software works correctly on different operating systems and devices.
  • Real user simulation: Eggplant can simulate user interactions with the software, which means it is possible to test different scenarios and see how the software reacts to different user actions. This can help identify and fix potential bugs and problems with the software. It also allows them to validate the user experience and ensure that the app is intuitive, responsive and user-friendly.
  • Flexibility and extensibility: Eggplant is a very flexible tool that allows you to customize the test environment according to the needs and requirements of the project. In addition, Eggplant has an extensible interface that allows integration with a variety of other software testing and management tools.
  • Increase testing efficiency: With an intelligent approach to testing and the ability to interact with the software at different levels, Eggplant can significantly increase testing efficiency. Test automation enables repeatable and accurate test cycles, reducing testing time and increasing the productivity of the development team.
  • Detailed reports and analysis:Eggplant testing tool provides detailed test reports and analysis that provide testers with valuable insights into test results. These reports help identify potential problems, track test coverage and measure the overall quality of the software. The reporting capabilities of the tool can make communication more effective within the test team and with stakeholders.
  • Image-based testing: Eggplant uses image recognition technology to interact with the application’s graphical user interface (GUI), allowing testers to verify elements, perform actions, and validate visual representations.
  • Intelligent test automation: Eggplant uses AI and machine learning algorithms to automatically generate and optimize test scripts, increasing efficiency and test coverage.
  • Performance Testing: Eggplant offers performance testing features that simulate real user traffic and measure application performance metrics to help identify bottlenecks (generally a point in a system or process where its performance is limited or degraded due to insufficient capacity or limitations of one or more components), optimize resource utilization, and ensure scalability.
  • Collaboration and test management: Eggplant offers collaboration features and a centralized test management system that allows teams to manage test assets, track test progress, plan tests, and collaborate effectively.
  • Mobile Testing: Eggplant makes mobile testing easier by providing tools and capabilities to test mobile apps on a variety of devices, platforms and operating systems.
  • Integration and extensibility: Eggplant can be easily integrated with other testing tools, development environments and test management systems, providing flexibility and extensibility when integrating into existing workflows.
  • Testing in the cloud: Eggplant provides cloud-based solutions for scalable test execution that enable teams to run tests in parallel, reduce infrastructure costs and benefit from cloud computing.

Eggplant disadvantages

  • Learning curve: The Eggplant testing tool may have a more complex learning curve, especially for testers who are new to this tool or to scripting languages. It may require some initial time and effort to become proficient in using the tool effectively.
  • Cost: Depending on the licensing and usage model, the Eggplant testing tool may involve costs, which could be a cause of concern for small teams or projects with limited budgets. However, the costs should be weighed against the benefits and potential savings in time and effort achieved through automation.
  • Limited community support: Compared to some other popular testing tools, the Eggplant testing tool may have a smaller community of users and fewer sources of information available.
  • Dependence on visual recognition: Eggplant relies on image-based testing, where it captures and compares screenshots to verify the application’s status. This approach may not be suitable for applications with highly dynamic and frequently changing user interface elements. Testers should carefully consider the applicability of this approach based on their specific testing requirements.

Eggplant is a really effective software testing tool that offers powerful features and improves the testing process. Its ability to simulate user interactions and test software on different platforms makes Eggplant an essential tool for all software testers. It can identify and fix bugs and issues with software before it is released to the market, leading to higher quality and reliability of the software.

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About the author

Michaela Kojnoková

Agile Test Engineer

Po štúdiu informatiky na ŽU a TUKE som sa najviac ponorila do oblasti automatizácie testovania. Okrem toho sa venujem tvorbe webov, databázam, dátovej analytike, umelej inteligencii a strojovému učeniu. Mám rada cestovanie, šport a najviac si užívam čas strávený v prírode s mojimi blízkymi. LinkedIn

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