October 1, 2021

Automated Testing with Robot Framework – Here Are The Things You Need To Know

Vanita WashingtonVanitaW

DURATION

5min

What is Robot Framework

Robot Framework is a Python-based open-source robotic process automation (RPA) tool for acceptance testing on web and mobile apps.

Pros Of Using Robot Framework:

Robot Framework is a free, open-source automation tool.
Robot Framework is easy to install.
Robot Framework is keyword-driven.
Robot Framework allows the use of Gherkin.
Robot Framework works for both mobile and web apps.
The basics of Robot Framework are easy to learn.
Robot Framework uses a low-code approach.
Robot Framework is compatible with Windows, macOS, Unix, and Linux.
Robot Framework supports Jython, IronPython, and PyPy.
Robot Framework supports all major browsers.
Robot Framework works well with Appium and Selenium libraries.
Robot Framework creates results reports in three formats.

A big plus for me is that Robot Framework works on all the major operating systems. Although the Microsoft Edge browser is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, it is good to perform Robot test scripts on all of the supported operating systems. Another plus for using Robot Framework is that it works well with Appium and Selenium libraries. It allows testers and developers to use and enhance their existing knowledge of those libraries.

Cons of Using Robot Framework:

Robot Framework is hard to maintain.
Robot Framework HTML reports are difficult to customize.
Robot Framework does not support parallel test execution.
Some Robot Framework errors are difficult to debug.
Robot Framework has strict indentation rules.

The biggest con is that Robot Framework does not support parallel testing. Running test scripts on multiple browsers and mobile platforms simultaneously is a time-saving feature that Robot Framework lacks.

Skills Needed To Use Robot Framework

Programming skills are not necessary but knowing how to program decreases the learning curve.
Basics of Selenium.
Basics of manual testing.
Basics of the command-line interface.
Good critical thinking skills.
Basics of manual testing.

System Requirements For Robot Framework

Python 3.5+.
Install Python 2 if you are using Robot Framework with Jython, IronPython, or PyPy,
IDE like Notepad+, PyCharm, Eclipse, or Visual Code Studio. RIDE is an IDE designed for Robot Framework, but it does not work well on macOS.
Selenium web drivers for browsers used in testing.
For mobile app testing, install Appium.

Tips for Using Robot Framework

Read the Robot Framework documentation - https://robotframework.org/.
Get familiar with the Robot Framework User Guide - http://robotframework.org/robotframework/latest/RobotFrameworkUserGuide.html.
Whenever possible, use the built-in and Selenium library keywords. Here is a list of Selenium library keywords - https://robotframework.org/SeleniumLibrary/SeleniumLibrary.html.
Write clear, easy-to-understand test scripts.
Keep test script logic simple.
Use Test Setup or Suite Setup to start Robot Framework tests.
Use Test Teardown or Suite Teardown to end Robot Framework tests.
Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY). Create a separate file for common tests steps.
Avoid hard-coding variables in the Keywords section.
Avoid creating variables in the Test Cases sections.
Structure files in a way that makes the results file readable and easy to debug.
Follow the indentation rules.
Disable Intellibot if you receive an IDE error when using it.
Use SeleniumLibrary. Although Selenium2Library still exists, SeleniumLibrary is the updated version.

I enjoy working with Robot Framework, the ease of installation makes it plug and play. I use PyCharm to create my test scripts. The only issue I’ve had with using Pycharm is with the Intellibot plugin for Robot Framework. I received an IDE error after installing Intellibot and none of the suggested workarounds helped. Writing Robot test scripts without a third-party plugin to help with indention is tedious and error-prone. I switched from Intellibot to Robot Framework without any error.

Robot Framework is a helpful and free automation tool that speeds up web and mobile app testing. The ability to create custom keywords makes Robot Framework adaptable and efficient. Test scripts are easy to manage if written in a clear, concise, and module way. Happy automated testing!