Keyword Driven Testing in Software Testing

Keyword Driven Testing :
It is a software engineering technique or approach that is used in functional automation testing that’s why called a type of functional automation testing. A table format is used for defining keywords or action words in this technique which is why called table-driven testing and the keywords or action words are defined for each function/method in this technique that’s why called Action word-based testing.

In this type of testing a table or spreadsheet format is used to define keywords or action words for every instruction that is under the execution stage. Different types of actions and test data are used combinable and by providing these inputs the driver script plays a vital role in producing the output of the test result accordingly.

The keyword-driven testing is based upon a keyword-driven framework that defines functional automation testing and is categorized into four different parts test steps for test cases, objects, actions, and data sets.

Phases of Keyword Driven Testing :
There are two phases of development for keyword-driven testing like Design and Development phase and the Implementation phase. 

1. Design and Development Phase 
   In the design and development phase, the set of actions briefly explains the mentioned keywords that are designed. The number of actions performed in this type is assigned with a single keyword and accordingly, it is working sequentially.
2. Implementation Phase –
   In the implementation stage, the final stage of execution may be performed in manual or automatic ways and sometimes it may be performed in both of the ways based upon the situation. The whole commands are executed in a set very precisely that can be determined in the primary stage of the function execution.

How it is used in?
By studying the above scenario we conclude that the testing may be performed in the manual and automated way but many times it is done in the automated way.

The objective of automated testing is to reuse maintenance costs and avoid duplicate specifications. Higher reusability of function scripting and good support for testing and portability.

Simply, identify the low and high-level keywords and implement the keywords in a running manner likewise. After that creation of test cases and driver scripts and finally, the execution of the automation scripts are generally required for this testing.

Advantages of Keyword Driven Testing :

• One of the major advantages of this testing is that functional testers can plan test automation even before the application is ready.
• For considering with no programming knowledge the test cases could be developed.
• Another key advantage is that it is independent of any specific programming language or any other tool.
• Most automation tools available are compatible with this testing technique.

Disadvantages of Keyword Driven Testing :

• The bigger disadvantage is that it is a time-consuming process to develop the keywords and the functionalities of the testing.
• The obstacles are driven by the technical testers. The keywords may prevent the testers from preventing their technological idea and years of experience during the test.