Software Testing Class

Difference Between Test Harness vs Test Framework

In this article, we are going to discuss Difference Between Test Harness vs Test Framework. Test Harness and in the later part of this article, we will compare Test Harness with Test Framework. Test harness can be explained as a unit testing tool that helps in the automation and execution of unit test cases. It enables the automation of unit tests for any software application. It has the system test drivers which work in collaboration with supporting testing tools which are required to execute the tests. Further, it provides drivers and stubs which are an actually small computer program written in languages like JAVA, Net, etc. that interact with the software application code under test. The test harness is often used by developers for unit testing of the modules during the development or development phase of any software model.

 

Test Harness vs Test Framework

 

Advantages of Test Harness:

The following are the advantages of the test harness and this is the reason it is followed as a standard testing practice in most of the organizations.

 

Disadvantages of Test Harness:

 

Context Where Test Harness Used:

Test harness can be used in the following two contexts namely, Automation Testing, and Integration Testing.

 

Example of Test Harness Tools:

 

Differences Between Test Harness vs Test Framework:

Given below is the comparison between test Harness and test automation Framework.

Properties Test Automation Framework Test Harness
Definition Test automation framework is a set of procedures, processes, intellectual concept and environment through which the tester can design and implement automated tests. A test harness is a set of drivers and stubs, which are actually small dummy programs written in programming languages such as JAVA, .NET, etc. that interact with the application software under test.
Composition Test automation framework is composed of information such as the test library, automated testing, testing tools, best practices, and testing platform. Test harness composed of all the information which is required to compile and execute a test such as test cases, source code file under test, target deployment port(TDP), and stubs.
Record and Playback mechanism It allows tester can manually “Record & Playback” script in this framework Testers cannot use “Record & Playback” script in case of Test Harness
Examples Test Automation framework can be categorized into Data-driven testing, Modularity driven testing, Hybrid testing, Code driven testing, module driven testing, behavior driven testing, and Keyword driven testing. Test harness can be used in the following two contexts. They are

Automation Testing, and Integration Testing.

Tool Example Cucumber, Robot Framework, etc. Junit, Nunit, etc.

 

Conclusion:

Test Harness is very useful in the organization as it helps developers to do unit testing and identify defects early in their code during the development phase. It ensures stable build to be given to testers for testing as most of the defects are unveiled at the time of developed. Hence, Test harness tools also help in increasing the testing productivity as the testing team won’t be spending time in raising mundane defects. It also ensures the quality software as end product which is well tested right at the unit level. Therefore, it adds confidence to the organization which is using a test harness tool during software development for unit testing.

I think I have addressed all major differences Between Test Harness vs Test Framework. I have worked for this around 3 years out of my testing career on Test Harness and Test Framework. There are some experts who have spent their whole career life on Test Harness and Test Framework. If I missed out addressing some important differences or other aspects then let me know in comments below. I will keep on updating the article for the latest testing information.
*************************************

If you are not a regular reader of this website then highly recommends you Sign up for our free email newsletter!! Sign up just providing your email address below:

Enter your email address:

Check email in your inbox for confirmation to get latest updates Software Testing for free.

Happy Testing!!!

Exit mobile version