What are the Data-Driven Framework and Keyword-Driven Framework?

In the rapidly evolving field of test automation frameworks are essential for improving the accuracy and efficiency of testing. Among the most popular testing strategies are the data driven framework and the keyword-driven framework. 

These two techniques reduce redundancy, guarantee a systematic approach to automation and let testers execute scripts effectively. Learning these frameworks is crucial whether you're trying to use automation tools like Selenium or QTP or are preparing for a QA interview.

This article will explore in-depth what a data driven framework is, how it differs from a keyword-driven framework, and how you can build and explain them in real-world tools like Selenium and QTP. We'll provide you detailed instructions, real-world examples and typical interview tips along the way to make sure you're ready for both theoretical and practical applications.

Section 1: Understanding the Data Driven Framework

What is Data Driven Framework?

Testers can distinguish between test data and test scripts using a data-driven framework a kind of test automation framework. This implies that the same set of scripts can be executed using various input data sets. The key benefit? Scalability and maintenance-friendliness also.

In essence, instead of hardcoding input values in your test scripts, you keep your data in variables or structured test cases. The test script fetches this data dynamically during runtime.

Why Use a Data Driven Framework?

• Reusability: The test logic is built once and applies to different data sources.
• Scalability: able to test hundreds of data combinations with ease.
• Maintainability: Modifications to the data have no impact on the test script.

Data Driven Framework in Selenium

Selenium is a widely used tool where implementing a data-driven structure provides a number of advantages. Test data can be easily arranged in your script or framework structure using programmatic techniques.

Example of Data Driven Framework in Selenium (Java):

Example without code snippet:

Let's say you are testing a website's login feature. You write a single script and feed it various usernames and passwords from a data structure rather than developing a distinct script for each set of credentials. 

The script reads each set, inputs the data into the login form and checks if login is successful. This is a real-world use case of a data-driven structure in Selenium.

This is a basic data driven framework example using TestNG in Selenium.

How to Explain Data Driven Framework in Selenium in Interview?

Interviewers often ask "How to explain data driven framework in Selenium in interview?" Here's how:

"A data driven framework in Selenium separates test logic from the test data making it easy to test the same functionality with multiple datasets. We use structured collections like arrays, maps, or embedded lists to manage data during execution. This approach increases reusability and reduces code duplication."

Benefits of Data Driven Automation Framework

• Reduces test script redundancy
• Increases coverage
• Easy to update and scale
• Better organized test architecture

The data driven automation framework ensures scalability and adaptability in any test environment. Organizations that use a data driven automation framework gain better long-term maintainability.

Use Case 1: E-commerce Login Testing

• Test login functionality with 100+ user credentials organized within the framework.
• Easy to validate with just one script and a dynamic dataset.

Use Case 2: Form Submission Automation

• Use different names, emails, addresses structured in script to fill and submit contact forms repeatedly.

Start experimenting with your own EST data driven framework to standardize automation across projects. The EST data driven framework is useful for educational and enterprise projects alike.

Section 2: Keyword Driven Framework

What is Keyword Driven Framework?

A keyword-driven framework represents actions to be taken on the application using preset terms.  The test scripts translate these keywords to certain functions.

Unlike a data-driven structure, this approach focuses on what to do (keywords) rather than just varying input data. Because of the abstraction of the logic, even non-technical people can create tests by mixing various keywords.

Keyword Driven vs Data Driven Framework

The data motivated framework primarily focuses on delivering varied sets of input data to the same test logic. It allows testers to simply execute a series of actions with varying data without rewriting the script each time. 

On the other hand a keyword driven framework focuses on actions or operations (like opening a browser clicking a button, etc.). According to the test design, testers specify a keyword for every operation, and those keywords are then executed one after the other.

This contrast is key when answering questions like: "What is data driven framework and keyword driven framework?"

Example of Keyword Driven Framework in Selenium (Java)

Suppose we define keywords like:

- OPENBROWSER

- NAVIGATE

- CLICK

- INPUT

- CLOSEBROWSER

Each keyword maps to a function:

Example without code snippet:

Imagine you have a table where each row tells the system what to do: open a browser, navigate to a URL, click a button, enter text, or close the browser. Each of these actions is defined as a "keyword". During test execution, the system reads these keywords and performs the corresponding action automatically. 

This represents the essence of a keyword-driven framework. The test designer can simply use a predefined structure to combine these keywords to create a test scenario.

Data Driven and Keyword Driven Framework Combined

Many real-world projects use a hybrid approach that merges both data driven and keyword driven framework concepts. The test data and keywords both come from structured objects, maximizing flexibility and minimizing code duplication.

How to Create Data Driven Framework in QTP

For Quick Test Professional (QTP) now known as Micro Focus UFT you can use structured data within actions:

• Create reusable actions
• Store test data within parameterized actions
• Associate keywords with VBScript functions

Example without code snippet:

In QTP/UFT, you can store usernames and passwords in variables. During test execution the script reads the data row by row, inputs it into the application, and performs validation. This structure enables a smooth and efficient way to implement a data driven framework in QTP.

This line illustrates how to create data driven framework in QTP using built-in features.

Use Case 1: Banking Application Keyword-Driven Testing

Keyword-defined actions include "Login," "Transfer," and "Logout" also.

Testers do not alter the code; they merely specify steps.

Use Case 2: Functional Testing of the HR Portal

Backend functions are mapped to keywords such as "AddEmployee," "EditEmployee," and "DeleteEmployee."

Conclusion

There are distinct advantages to both the data-driven and keyword-driven systems. The keyword-driven approach is superior in scenario abstraction and team collaboration, while the data-driven framework is ideal for testing many input combinations with little script duplication. When used together as in hybrid frameworks, they provide unmatched flexibility and power in automation testing.

When it comes to interview preparation, large-scale automation, comprehending what a data-driven framework is, how to implement data driven framework in Selenium and how to explain data driven framework in Selenium in interview will position you as a valuable QA asset.

Likewise learning how to create data driven framework in QTP and mastering data driven automation framework opportunities will arise on a variety of platforms due to trends. Explore, adapt, and scale your automation journey with the right framework choice!

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