There are several goals and objectives for automation, but one of the most important ones is to reduce the human effort required throughout the development and engineering process. Software testing is a difficult process made even more difficult in contemporary times, where quality is above all. That’s why we have automated software testing tools.
Unlike functional testing, however, non-functional testing is usually performed manually. Hence, manual software testing tools are used too. There are several types of testing, such as:
- Browser testing
- Desktop testing
- Mobile testing
- Regression testing
- Web services and API testing
- Web testing
And because there are so many different types of testing, it only makes sense that there are also tons of QA tester tools to help the process along.
In this article, we’ll briefly discuss software testing tools and what to consider when choosing testing platforms before we jump into the best tools available in 2024. Let’s get to it!
Best Software Testing Tools
- Selenium
- Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing
- Katalon Studio
- Ranorex
- Sahi Pro
- Telerik Test Studio
- TestComplete
- TestingWhiz
- Testpad
- Tricentis Tosca Testsuite
- Watir
- Xray
- TestRail
- PractiTest
- Zephyr Scale
- Testmo
- SpiraTest
- Kobiton
- Avo Assure
- ACCELQ
- Testim
- AppliTools
- SoapUI
- Invicti
What Are Software Testing Tools?
As the name might suggest, software testing tools are those which are used for the purposes of — you guessed it — testing software. Although this may seem like a broad description, there’s no real other way to effectively define a code testing tool.
Tools like the ones mentioned in this article are essentially apps that can help developers and (QA) testers as they perform testing, whether it is manual or automated. As there are different types of testing, there are also different tools that can each fulfill a specific purpose.
No matter what a tool’s intended purpose is, its main function is to check whether the test subjects (usually software products) are performing as intended. Because the best software testing applications help to identify problems in code or software products, they are typically used all throughout the SDLC (software development life cycle).
In summary, an effective testing tool can help developers ensure that their product meets requirements and specifications while providing a good user experience. It can also help to ensure that tested software is relatively defect-free. In software testing, automation tools make a tester’s life easier by reducing the work needed.
The Best Software Testing Tools in 2024
Learning software testing requires understanding an array of testing types and related tools. To make it easier for you, here are 12 of the essential software testing tools that anyone interested in software testing must know about.
1. Selenium
Since:
- 2004 (as an internal tool for ThoughtWorks)
- 2007-8 (as WebDriver)
- 2009 (as Selenium 2.0)
Developers:
- Jason Huggins (Selenium RC)
- Philippe Hanrigou (SeleniumGrid)
- Simon Stewart (WebDriver)
Supported Platform(s): Cross-platform
Perhaps the most popular automation testing tool for running functional tests on web apps is Selenium. Anyone who has even a little experience with software testing might have come across Selenium, or at least, must have heard about it.
The cross-platform testing framework is preferred by software testing teams and individuals for automating web app testing. Selenium facilitates writing down test scripts in a range of programming languages, including C#, Groovy, Java, and Python.
Selenium serves as the foundation for other popular software testing tools, like Katalon Studio and Watir. Many browser vendors provide native support for Selenium-based testing. You can do testing even without learning a programming language, ever! This is made possible using a playback tool.
Highlights:
- Cross-browser support
- Free and open-source
- Giant, mushrooming community
- High level of integration and reusability
- Highly portable
- Low hardware dependency as compared to other vendor-focused automation testing tools
- Parallel test execution via Selenium Grid
2. Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing
Since:
- 2001 (as QTP)
- 2006 (as HP QTP)
- 2012 (as UFT)
Developer: Micro Focus
Supported Platform(s): Microsoft Windows
Previously known as QuickTest Professional or QTP, Micro Focus UFT is a testing automation framework for performing functional and regression testing on software applications. It is one of the most popular automation testing tools for enterprises.
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing lets developers test the trio layers of a program’s operations - the database, interface, and service layers - from a unified console. UFT leverages the VBScript scripting language for:
- Specifying test processes and
- Manipulating controls and objects for a software application.
Although primarily intended for the Microsoft Windows platform, Micro Focus UFT can be used for .NET, Delphi, Java, and web platforms using add-ins. The testing tool is available in single-seat and concurrent licenses.
Highlights:
- Automated documentation
- Data-driven testing
- Error handling available
- Expert View for displaying and allowing editing of the source code of a test script
- Many IDE-like features, such as breakpoints
- Smart object recognition
- Supports integration with Mercury Business Process Testing and Mercury Quality Center
Suggested Course
The Complete 2024 Software Testing Bootcamp
Suggested Tool
Jira: Agile Software Development Tool
3. Katalon Studio
Since:
- January 2015 (as an internal tool)
- September 2016
Developer: Katalon LLC
Supported Platform(s): Mobile, web
Katalon Studio is a free-to-use automation testing tool built over two of the most popular automation testing frameworks, namely Appium and Selenium. It features a dedicated interface for API, mobile, and web-based testing.
Interestingly, Katalon Studio was chosen as the Gartner Peer Insights Customer’s Choice for Software Test Automation twice in 2021 and 2022. Support for writing test scripts in Java and Groovy languages is available in Katalon Studio.
Customizable execution workflow allows Katalon Studio to deal with different types of testing requirements conveniently. The automation testing tool also provides support for XPath and object re-indentation.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive testing and reporting with Katalium, Katalon Recorder, and Katalon TestOps
- Dual, interchangeable testing interface
- Follows the Page Object Model pattern
- Image-based testing functionality available
- Inbuilt object repository
- Support for CI tools, such as Docker, Jenkins, and Jira
4. Ranorex
Since: 2007
Developer: Ranorex GmBH
Supported Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Server, Mobile, Web
Ranorex was developed with the primary objective of easing collaboration among testers and developers. It has been supporting testers and enterprises for over a decade now. The GUI test automation tool supports testing on Windows-based desktop, mobile, and web platforms.
Automation engineers and testers can develop automated test modules with standard programming languages, like C# and VB.NET, using Ranorex. Over the years, Ranorex has succeeded in finding global clients in, for example, Adidas, Canon, IBM, Lufthansa, and Siemens.
Ranorex Studio is available in a range of licenses. Like Studio license, Runtime license, Premium Bundle, Enterprise Bundle, et cetera.
Highlights:
- Easy-to-maintain repository
- End-to-end testing of mobile and web-based apps
- GUI object identification. Filters GUI elements with the RanoreXPath technology
- Modular automation scripts
- Parallel test execution available
- Ranorex Recorder allows object-based record and replay
- Robust reporting capabilities, including detailed error logs and pie charts
5. Sahi Pro
Since: 2005
Developer: Narayan Raman (original)
Tyto Software Pvt. Ltd.
Supported Platform(s): Desktop, web, mobile
Sahi Pro is a business-driven test automation (BDTA) framework written in Java and JS. The testing automation tool facilitates multi-browser testing and allows automation engineers and testers to do more while coding less.
All tests conducted using Sahi Pro are stable and support automatic waits to negate timing issues. The testing tool allows running thousands of test scripts in parallel on a single machine or distributed across a cluster. Sahi Pro can work even for apps with dynamic IDs.
Before making a purchase, users can get the Sahi Pro Starter, a 180-day free, limited version of Sahi Pro. The testing automation application features a built-in Excel framework that makes collaboration and monitoring easier.
Highlights:
- Browser testing record and playback
- Detailed error reporting
- Ideal for projects based on the agile methodology
- Provides support for a range of web application development tools, including Dojo Toolkit, ExtJS, and YUI Library
- Single automation tool for testing a range of technologies, including cross-browser apps, desktop apps, Java applets, Webservices, etc
- Supports CI technologies, such as Bamboo and Jenkins
6. Telerik Test Studio
Since: 2010-2011
Developer: Telerik
Supported Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Mobile, Web
Test Studio is an automation testing tool for Windows, mobile, and web platforms. It is primarily meant for performing functional testing on desktop apps, websites, web apps, and mobile apps.
Telerik Test Studio assists in rapidly creating automated tests and then integrates the same seamlessly to Agile-based CI/CD pipelines. The automation testing tool provides out-of-the-box support for bug tracking and version control systems.
Enterprises looking to create custom solutions can leverage the powerful Test Studio API. Moreover, integrating the test automation tool with existing systems is a piece of cake. Telerik Test Studio also provides support for conducting other tests, like load and performance.
Highlights:
- Cross-browser support
- Manual testing available
- Provides integration support with bug tracking tools
- Single-click bug reports to Jira and MS TFS
- Supports a range of technologies, including AJAX, Angular, HTML, JavaScript, React, and WPF
7. TestComplete
Since: 1999
Developer: SmartBear Software
Supported Platform(s): Android, GNOME Web, iOS, Microsoft Windows
Providing support for a range of platforms, TestComplete is an automation testing tool that focuses on functional testing. It allows automation engineers and testers to write test scripts in an array of scripting languages, including DelphiScript, JavaScript, Python, and VBScript.
TestComplete features 3 modules for targeting various platforms, namely Desktop, Mobile, and Web. Besides functional testing, TestComplete also allows backend testing, - such as database testing - GUI testing, regression testing, and unit testing.
Modifying existing recorded tests for meeting new requirements and covering more use cases is also available with TestComplete. The testing software also allows distributed testing by running many automated tests across many workstations or VMs.
Highlights:
- Automatically takes screenshots during test recording and playback
- Based on the COM interface, an open API
- Data-driven testing available
- Inbuilt keyword-driven test editor
- Superior extensibility using plugins
- Test record and playback
8. TestingWhiz
Since: 2012
Developer: Cygnet Infotech
Supported Platform(s): Microsoft Windows (XP or above)
Another top testing automation tool is TestingWhiz from Cygnet Infotech. Compared to other popular testing frameworks like Selenium, TestComplete, and UFT, TestingWhiz is the new kid around the block.
TestingWhiz focuses on the implementation, training, and maintenance of test automation frameworks. The paid testing tool is available in 3 licenses:
- Short-term project
- 1-year
- Perpetual
A free trial of TestingWhiz is available to let automation engineers and testers try the same before making a purchase. The Enterprise edition of TestingWhiz offers a comprehensive range of testing, including API testing, cross-browser testing, database testing, and mobile app testing.
TestingWhiz offers out-of-the-box integration support for a range of technologies, including VCS and test management tools. Users can perform testing without writing complex code, schedule test executions, and generate as well as share detailed test reports.
Highlights:
- Browser extension testing
- Centralized object repository
- Distributed, data- and keyword-driven testing
- Integration support for:
- Bug tracking tools, such as FogBugz, Jira, and Mantis
- Object eye internal recorder
- SMTP
- Testing management tools, such as HP Quality Center, TestRail, and Zephyr
- Version control systems, like GitHub
9. Testpad
Since: 2011
Developer: Testpad Limited
Supported Platform(s): Web, mobile
Testpad leverages checklist-inspired test plans that can be readily applied to varying testing styles, everything from exploratory testing to traditional test case management. It is a simplistic manual testing tool that prioritizes pragmatism over everything else.
Unlike other testing tools, Testpad features a Guest testers functionality. It allows users to invite people to perform some predefined testing without even setting up an account first. Testpad is simple to use, not only for testers but also for non-testers.
While testing, ideas may spring up for some new tests. Testpad is developed with this in mind as it allows adding novel tests during the testing process.
Highlights:
- Drag-and-drop support for organizing test plans
- Easy to learn and start
- Focuses on the Agile approach of software development
- Responsive, JS-powered user interface
- Supports manual testing
- Keyboard-driven interface
10. Tricentis Tosca Testsuite
Since: June 2006
Developer: Tricentis
Supported Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, mobile, web
Tosca Testsuite leverages MBTA (Model-based Test Automation) for rapidly creating resilient, easy-to-maintain, end-to-end tests. The automation testing tool features risk-based testing to make testing faster for an application with an increasing codebase and shortening release times.
With the model-based approach, enterprises can easily shift from UI testing to API testing using the Tosca Testsuite. The end-to-end testing automation tool features Tricentis TDM (Test Data Management), which decreases the time required for creating test data.
Users can develop virtual services from API test modules using the Tricentis OSV (Orchestrated Service Virtualization). Doing so, amazingly, does not require in-depth coding or technical knowledge.
Highlights:
- Automatic creation and provision of on-demand synthetic or masked production data
- Distributed execution
- Eliminates data integrity issues at the source
- Offers support for over 160 technologies
- Powerful test record and playback using ARA (Automation Recording Assistant)
- Risk coverage
- Support for cloud-based collaboration
11. Watir
Since:
- 2001 (as cliec)
- 2003 (as WTR)
- 2004
Developer: Several
Supported Platform(s): Cross-platform
Unlike other testing tools on this list, Watir is a set of open-source libraries written in Ruby for automating web browsers. Watir is, in actuality, a contraction for Web application testing in ruby and is pronounced as water.
Available under the MIT license, Watir is a software testing framework for web apps. It comprises of many sub-projects, most notable among which are:
- Watir-classic
- Watir-web driver
- Watirspec
Interestingly, Watir is powered by Selenium. The Watir-web driver, which provides cross-browser support, is a derivative of Selenium 2.0. It supports several business-driven development tools and technologies, including Cucumber, Ruby on Rails, and RSpec.
Highlights:
- Automatic element generation
- Easy-to-read and easy-to-maintain test scripts
- Free and open-source
- Great, expanding community support
- Supports testing a web app based on any language
- Uses the dynamic, general-purpose programming language Ruby
12. Xray
Since: N/A
Developer: Xpand IT
Supported Platform(s): Web
Branded as the “cutting edge test management for Jira,” Xray is an extensible test management platform focusing on the Agile methodology. Building a CI/CD pipeline is made easier with the REST API and out-of-the-box integration support for Bamboo and Jenkins.
Xray helps enterprises to enhance the quality of their software product(s) through comprehensive and effective testing. The software testing tool lets users easily trace defects, executions, requirements, and tests.
The entire testing life cycle i.e., from test planning to test reporting, is supported by Xray. With full support for BDD framework, writing tests is much simpler.
Highlights:
- Advanced test folder structure
- Easy integration with testing automation frameworks, such as Cucumber and Selenium
- Inbuilt reporting available in multiple formats, including .docx and .pdf with Xporter
- Integrates directly with JIRA
- Native support for Cucumber
- Support for manual testing
13. TestRail
Since: 2004
Developer: Gurock Software
Supported Platform(s): Web, Windows Server, Unix/Linux Server
TestRail has been around for almost two decades now as a web-based tool for test case management. It’s available on the cloud but can also be installed on-premise, depending on an organization’s preferences. Either way, TestRail is easy to set up and start using in no time.
TestRail is known for being highly customizable, which in turn makes it very scalable. The result is a solution that works for any size team, large or small — or even enterprise-level.
This tool offers interactive dashboards, activity reports, metrics, and more to give users real-time testing progress insights. Manual and automated testing are easily documented and managed with screenshots and comparisons of expected and actual results.
Highlights:
- Supports Docker containers
- An enterprise version is available for mission-critical projects and larger teams
- Available on the cloud or on-premise
- Offers milestones, email notifications, and personal to-do lists to help boost efficiency
- Provides informative metrics and activity reports on informative dashboards to give real-time insights on how testing is progressing
- Allows for efficient management of automated or manual test cases
14. Practitest
Since: 2008
Developer:
- Co-founded by Yaniv Iny and Joel Montvelisky
Supported Platform(s): Web
As an end-to-end SaaS-based test management tool, PractiTest essentially covers the QA process in its entirety. This tool allows full visibility of the testing process, which translates into a better understanding of the test results all around. Users get real-time dashboards, customizable reports, and handy filter views.
PractiTest also allows the reuse of testing elements to minimize tedious and repetitive tasks, thus boosting teams’ productivity.
Highlights:
- Known for being flexible and fully customizable (customize views, fields, issue workflows, and more), allowing it to meet any QA team’s changing needs
- Offers a ton of third-party integrations with other products such as automation tools, bug trackers, and more
- Allows testers to reuse their tests and then correlate results with other products and releases later on
- Provides reports and advanced dashboards to help visualize data
- Allows for organization and quick searching thanks to hierarchical filter trees
- PractiTest provides excellent customer support
15. Zephyr Scale
Since:
- 2015 as TM4J
- 2020 as Zephyr Scale
Developer:
- As TM4J - Adaptavist
- As Zephyr Scale - SmartBear Software
Supported Platform(s): Web
Zephyr Scale, a SmartBear Software product, is a test management tool that works right inside Jira. It offers reporting, test planning, and has features for reusability. This tool is best for teams who follow the Agile or Waterfall methodologies and are looking for more reusability and structure in their testing processes. Right out of the box, users get more than seventy types of reports, increasing visibility overall.
Highlights:
- Makes it much easier for testers to audit/trace thanks to detailed change history, end-to-end traceability, and test case versioning
- Free, built-in REST API empowers dev and tester teams with CI/CD, BDD, & automation integration
- Results of automated test execution can be published from Bamboo, Jenkins, and more
- Users can access more than seventy cross-project reports, sixty Confluence macros, and sixty gadgets, which means better visibility, collaboration, and data analysis
16. Testmo
Since:
- Introduced - January 2022
- Beta test phase - March 2022
- Soft launch soon after
Developer:
- Co-founded by Dennis Gurock and Tobias Gurock
Supported Platform(s): Web
Although Testmo is on the newer side, it’s quickly becoming more popular thanks to being one of the best unified test management tools around. Testmo is a tool used in software testing for the management of manual, automated, or exploratory testing, but it allows users to do everything in a single, powerful platform.
Testmo is known for being lightning fast, while still being able to push a powerful yet intuitive user interface that displays rich metrics. This tool fully integrates with GitHub, Jira, GitLab, Asana, and more.
Highlights:
- Unifies testing, allows you to track everything QA-related in one place
- Works fast while remaining scalable, making it a great option for all team sizes, including at the enterprise level
- Customizable workflows, fields, and test assignments
- Top-notch reporting features with real-time charts and metrics
- Can integrate with any CI pipeline, test automation tool, and DevOps tool
- Integrates fully with GitHub, Jira, GitLab, etc
17. SpiraTest
Since: Around 2007-2008
Developer: Inflectra
Supported Platform(s): Web, Windows Server (for on-premise customers)
SpiraTest is another software testing tool that is available as a web-based SaaS or as an on-premise installation. It’s a scalable solution that works well for both smaller and larger teams. It generally works out-of-the-box, requiring minimal setup.
SpiraTest offers a single environment for the viewing and management of plans, requirements, tests, bugs, code, and tasks.
Highlights:
- Allows for easy management of sets, test cases, and runs in exploratory and manual testing
- Available as SaaS via browser, or on-premise via Windows Server installation
- More than sixty app integrations
- Allows users to manage their teams and processes via executive dashboards which display projects in a top-down view
- Data and project visualization plus business analytics are easily within reach
18. Kobiton
Since: 2016
Developer:
- Co-founded by Josh Lieberman and Vu Lam
Supported Platform(s): Web; More information here
First released in 2016, Kobiton has now grown to become one of the most popular mobile device software testing tools around. Its primary purpose is to help teams create and deliver user-friendly mobile experiences that are reasonably problem-free. Although it is a cloud-based tool, it is also offered as an on-premise solution.
Kobiton allows for real device testing, which lets testers access physical devices while in the cloud. Cloud access offers full support for gestures and orientation, so users can swipe, tap, scroll, and use the cloud device as they would one that was in front of them. As testing goes on, Kobiton provides real-time analytics from the resulting detailed logs, which include screenshots, videos, and device or system metrics such as memory performance and battery consumption.
Highlights:
- Cloud-based, allows users access to real, actual devices in either the Private or Public cloud
- Allows “cloud” access of local devices, giving users shared access remotely
- Allows manual and automated web and mobile testing
- Offers on-premise solutions
- Allows unlimited users
- Automated performance, functional, compatibility, and visual testing; scripted or scriptless
- Allows for remediating visual and functional issues with AI assistance
- Lets users access or share app quality analytics
19. Avo Assure
Since: 2020
Developer: SLK Software, Avo Automation
Supported Platform(s): Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
Avo Assure is an automation testing tool that requires absolutely zero code. It enables users to perform E2E business process testing with a few simple clicks, making it easier to perform testing all around. Avo Assure offers a user-friendly, intuitive user interface that helps QA execute their test cases for Windows, mobile (iOS, Android), web, non-UI platforms, and more — all in a single solution.
One of Avo Assure’s unique offerings is its mind maps feature, which provides visual representations of testing and project hierarchies. This Avo Assure feature makes it easier to define and design test plans and cases while also making it easier to tell exactly where the team is within the test automation cycle.
Highlights:
- One of the best software testing tools that allow users to create/execute test cases with no code writing required
- Allows for end-to-end test automation; more than 90% coverage
- Mindmaps feature allows users to define and design their test plans and test cases
- Integrates with major tools such as Jenkins, Jira, QTest, ALM, Salesforce, TFS, Sauce Labs, and more
- Smart scheduling allows users to execute several scenarios
- Reports are intuitive and easily interpreted
20. ACCELQ
Since: 2014
Developer: ACCELQ Inc
Supported Platform(s): Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
Although it is cloud-based, ACCELQ is also available as an on-premise installation. It is a tool that allows for continuous automation testing that utilizes NLP, or natural language programming, on top of application abstraction. This combination allows teams to test at any stage of an app’s development. Many of ACCELQ’s customers are massive Fortune 500 companies across various industries. These companies use ACCELQ as it is known to speed up development and lower costs.
Highlights:
- Cloud-based, works on any OS and browser
- Also available on-premise
- Provides actionable reporting
- Doesn’t require any code
- Offers native integration with the majority of leading DevOps tools
- Subscription is all-inclusive; unlimited agents are allowed
21. Testim
Since: 2014
Developer: Testim, Tricentis
Supported Platform(s): Web
Testim, which was relatively recently acquired by Tricentis, is an AI-powered automated testing tool. It makes use of machine learning to make authoring, executing, and maintaining automated tests faster. It allows multiple parallel cross-browser testing on the cloud (whether Testim’s or the user’s). Testim can integrate with various tools, which allows it to fit into your existing workflows.
Highlights:
- Testim is available on-premise or on the cloud
- Multiple testing can be done simultaneously across many browsers or via the cloud (Testim’s or private user clouds)
- Bugs are easily reported to the bug tracking system with pertinent information annotated and attached
- Once bugs are reported and are in the system, developers can simply click the bug test, which will automatically reproduce the problem automatically in the browser
- Test creation is by code or by recording, though if the QA tester wishes, they can combine both methods
22. AppliTools
Since: 2018
Developer: AppliTools Inc
Supported Platform(s): Web
AppliTools is a next-generation automation testing tool available on-premise or as a cloud-based SaaS. It is an AI-assisted tool that uses computer vision technology called Visual AI. This technology helps teams of developers, QA testers, and test automation engineers perform their testing more quickly and easily. As a result, teams can speed up their development cycles significantly, allowing them to release high-quality mobile and web apps more efficiently.
AppliTools offers more than sixty integrations with other automation frameworks, including but not limited to Selenium, Cypress, and WebdriverIO.
Highlights:
- Available as SaaS on the cloud or on-premise
- Allows for easy user access management
- Allows cross-browser testing on various devices
- Gives the tester/user interactive reports for visual tests performed
- Offers more than 60 integrations with modern automated testing frameworks
23. SoapUI
Since: 2005
Developer: SmartBear Software
Supported Platform(s): Web
SoapUI has been around since 2005 as an open-source tool offered by SmartBear Software. However, a licensed version with more features, SoapUI Pro, is available for those who need it. SoapUI is a cross-platform tool that testers use for performing load or functional testing on API. It is also capable of making JBDC and HTTP calls. It features a user-friendly GUI that makes it a popular choice for many. SoapUI also offers security testing features to help teams ensure they protect their products from viruses and hackers. It provides reporting features that make test analyses a breeze.
Highlights:
- Written in Java and Groovy
- Available as open source via SoapUI; proprietary license available as SoapUI Pro
- The user interface is very easy and intuitive
- Helps secure websites from viruses and hackers thanks to the vulnerability testing feature
- The reporting feature allows for detailed analyses
24. Invicti
Since:
- As Netsparker: 2018
- As Invicti: March 2022
Developer: Invicti
Supported Platform(s): Web
Invicti, formerly known as Netsparker, is an automated software testing tool that’s fully configurable. Its primary function is to scan web applications for security vulnerabilities and loopholes. Invicti can automatically perform these security scans on web apps, web services, and websites. Many choose Invicti for its ease of use and scalability despite being hassle-free and incredibly low maintenance.
Highlights:
- Uses proof-based tech to verify identified vulnerabilities as real (and not false positives) automatically
- Has built-in automation tools and workflows to allow developers and organizations to scan hundreds of sites simultaneously and scale up efforts in web app security
- Has its asset discovery service, which locates all apps, services, websites, & APIs requiring scans
- Technologies feature allows users to find & list technologies used in any web app while identifying versions that are out-of-date
- Capable of finding vulnerabilities in HTML5, Web 2.0, and even single-page web apps
- Allows remote triggering of scans
- Security dashboard allows for all monitoring in one place
What to Consider When Choosing Your Testing Tools
There are a few factors you may want to consider when you’re selecting automated QA tools (or even manual ones). Look into criteria like the below:
- Cost of Licensing (if applicable) - There are plenty of free or open-source testing tools that can make your life easier as a developer or tester. However, there are also many tools that can cost you a lot of money to license for use. Before you add a tool to your shortlist, always ensure that it sits within your budget.
- Ease of Maintenance - Not all automated software test tools are created the same. Some can be far more challenging or costly to maintain in the long run, which means they may not be worth your time or money. Always consider how easy a tool is to maintain before you commit.
- Ease of Test Creation - A huge part of any decision is looking into ease of use, and the same applies when you’re selecting your testing tool. Tools should make your life easier, not harder. As such, the right tool will allow the testers to run quick and efficient tests, no matter their technical skill level or automation expertise.
- Operating System Compatibility - Even if a product isn’t running on a specific operating system now doesn't mean that it never will. It may benefit you to have a testing tool that supports various OS configurations, including compatibility for older OS versions. OS compatibility isn’t going to be a necessity for everyone, however, especially if you know for sure that your product will only ever be on one specific operating system.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility - Not all developers will have to worry about cross-platform compatibility, especially if their products are only meant for a single platform. However, if you believe this may be a concern for you, look for tools that can fit your needs.
- Hidden Costs - Although there are many free and open-source tools available, what you may not realize is there may be some hidden costs associated with them, too. When you choose a tool that not many on your team are familiar with, you may incur some training costs related to getting them familiar with a tool’s use. Certain tools may also have hardware or software requirements that can cost you extra, especially if you need to upgrade your existing setups. Consider such costs prior to making your choice.
- Company Reputation and Tool Support - As an add-on to all the criteria above, it may benefit you to look into a tool’s reputation. There may be some niche tools that sound great on paper, but in reality, they may not be well supported by their developers. At the same time, it can also help you to look into reviews of the company to see whether a tool is worth using, and whether you’ll be able to find customer support should you ever need guidance.
These criteria can serve as guidelines to help you select the right tools for your needs.
However, there may be certain cases where you can only give your recommendations, such as in the case of outsourcing. If a client is outsourcing their product development to you, chances are they may already have a tool or a preference for one. In such a case, it may be best to use their preferred tool, though it may still benefit you to make your suggestions where possible.
Conclusion
There is no underabundance of software testing tools. As there are so many different parameters for software testing, so are the available options.
You can decide whether to choose a single, unified platform for testing or juggle many different testing tools based on your testing requirements. What software testing tools do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.
Want to get into the world of software testing? Start out with these Software Testing Courses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which testing tool is in demand in 2024?
There are quite a few testing tools that are in demand this year, such as Selenium, Appium, TestComplete, Katalon Studio, and more. It’s worth mentioning that testing tools for AI and machine learning seem to also be growing in popularity of late.
2. Which tools are most used to test software?
Currently, some of the most popular tools include the likes of Telerik Test Studio, Selenium, Watir, Tosca, and TestComplete, just to name a few.
3. What tools do QA analysts use?
QA analysts generally use software testing tools that allow for manual or automated testing of various software products. These tools usually provide detailed reports of findings from tests performed. In software testing, automated tools can reduce the work necessary.
4. What is software testing?
Software testing is a process in which testers (usually QA) check software products for any issues. QA testers perform this process with the help of testing tools to check that a software product meets its requirements and is reasonably defect and bug-free. There are many automated tools for software testing that help reduce the human input required in the process.
5. What are software testing tools in the context of software engineering?
Testing tools in software engineering are often used to help the engineering process by finding out whether a software product has any issues or bugs before it is shipped. Testing tools can help speed up the development process or cycle while minimizing issues in a product.
