Web Automated Testing In Ruby or Watir has been reckoned as a powerful web testing tool used for writing of automated tests. Pronounced as water, it is open source as well as easy to use. The large community makes finding help very easy. It consists of Ruby libraries that help in automation of web browsers. The tests written in this language can be easily read as well as maintained. The flexibility as well as simplicity has resulted in its increasing popularity.Regular updates make Watir a competent platform. In fact, no matter what your needs, it can customize accordingly. Browsers are driven by it in the same manner that users do. Links are clicked, buttons pressed and forms filled. Results are also checked, for example whether the page displays the expected text or not. Despite belonging from the Ruby library family, all apps, regardless of the developed technology are supported by it. On Windows, only Internet Explorer is supported by Watir, but Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Internet Explorer are supported by Watir-WebDriver; it also runs in headless mode. Since it is based on Ruby, it incorporates all the advantages of the language. By virtue of this liaison, databases can be connected, spreadsheets and data files read, code structured as reusable libraries and XML exported. Benefits :: Instead of some proprietary vendorscript the modern full-featured scripting language, Ruby is used which lends all its associated benefits. :: Businesses do not have to invest anything to use it since it is open source as well as free. :: The growing as well as active community of it provides full support to those who are new to it. :: It is not only easy to use and powerful but extremely lightweight as well. :: Multiple browsers are supported by it on various platforms. :: No matter what the platform of development, all web apps are supported by it. :: Customization can be carried on so that all needs are suited. :: Updates are carried on regularly. The excellent modern browser driver works really great with several testing frameworks like Test/Unit, Cucumber and RSpec. Test/Unit is used for unit testing; it helps in designing, evaluating as well as debugging of your code since it can be written easily. Major ruby installations are already bundled in it which makes less of a headache in case of installation. In case of Cucumber, software development teams are allowed to describe the behaviour of the software in plain text. The text which is written in domain-specific business-readable language also acts as automated tests, development-aid as well as documentation. The development tool RSpec is Behaviour driven and combines Domain Driven design, Acceptance Test-Driven Planning and Test-Driven Development for a perfect software development approach. Installation tips :: The packaging of Watir drivers are done as gems or Ruby libraries which may be installed over internet. While installing behind authenticating proxy, HTTP_PROXY environment variable must be set first. :: For installing or updating of Ruby, the relevant package manager must be used at terminal window. :: For effective usage of Watir, there should be provision of browsing through the application HTML pages’ structure. For that Firebug can be used on Firefox and IE Developer Toolbar should be used on Internet Explorer. :: The latest 1.3.7 version or above of rubygems should be installed. The latest version should be installed by using the relevant package manager. :: During updating of RubyGems, some additional flags like –no-rdoc and –no-ri should be used. Watir has become a really remarkable tool of web testing. Not only is it functional but the information needed to work this is very basic. Since it is based on Ruby, those who are well versed with the language find working in it a piece of cake. Even those who are not familiar can easily do that since Ruby is a relevantly easy to learn language. Thus developers as well as testers are offered the best of both worlds when they use this tool. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a certified Watir automated testing company. We provide Ruby Watir testing services. Companies hire Ruby on Watir experts from us at Mindfire Solutions. If you are interested, please contact us today.
Whenever the application, hardware or network is modified, it may have a positive or negative impact on the system’s performance. Each application needs be tested on a constant basis to cope with the changing habits and choices of the modern users. Many developers use specialized tools to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the updated system. Some people even rewrite some portion of the code to maximize the user experience.
In comparison to the conventional user performance monitoring tools, Web Application Testing in Ruby (Watir) is hugely popular among application developers and quality analyzers. Along with being an open source functional testing tool, Watir also enables developer to avail the advantages of Ruby libraries. You can use the simple and dynamic tool to easily write, read and maintain tests. The tool is also effective in driving web browsers just like a normal user.
While testing a web application, Watir performs normal actions like clicking on individual hyperlinks, filling the web forms in, and pressing button. So you can easily view the text as it appears on the real web pages. This feature also makes it convenient for you to incorporate the desired changes, and enhance the user experience. Also, you can use a number of specialized features offered by Ruby to connect the backend system and UI. These features make it easier for you to connect to various data sources, read data from spreadsheets and data files.
Further, you can export the output in XML format, and store the code as reusable libraries. Watir originally supports only a single web browser, i.e., Internet Explorer on Windows. But a developer can use the Watir-WebDriver that supports a variety of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. The efficiency of open source tool can be determined from its list of reputable user list that includes renowned brands like Facebook, Yahoo, Honeywell, HP, Oracle and SAP.
Using Watir for Performance Monitoring
As a simple and lightweight performance monitoring tool, Watir enables you to test the application simply by incorporating timestamps throughout the script. However, the timer must be started based on the nature and usage of the specific portion of the script. For instance, if you are monitoring the page loading time, the timer must be started after loading the web browser. But Watir makes it easier for developers to capture the data, store the information in a database, and access the results in graphical format.
Starting the Timer
While inserting timeline, you must ensure that the browser object is properly created. Normally, the amount of time required for creating and loading a web browser is no way related to the performance of your web application. As the choice of web browsers vary from one user to another, you need to consider the amount of time required for creating the browser object. The step can be compared to the amount of time required by a user to turn his PC on, and load Internet Explores, Firefox, Chrome, or Opera.
Defining Your Web Application Test
Before monitoring user performance, the test must be defined clearly in terms of caching. It is also important to differentiate between individual actions, and independent user experiences. For instance, you have to start the timer immediately after the browser object creation, while testing the web page loading time in a clear cache. On the other hand, the timer need to be started after creating the browser object and then processing a goto command, if you are planning to replicating the action of a returning visitors. Each action will have a different impact on the user, while changing the website loading time.
Doing Competitive Analysis
While doing competitive analysis of your website, you must be realistic, and compare your web application with a similar and identical website. However, the comparison may not always get you exact and accurate results. For example, if you are comparing the loading time of your website and the competitor’s website, it is important to set the test up to report back. Also, the report back must occur once the DOM is loaded fully for each website. The results will make it easier for you to beat your competitors, while enhancing the user experience and satisfaction. Hence investing in watir automated testing reaps huge benefits.
If you are using Watir for the first time, it is a good idea to avail the support offered by the active community of Watir users. There are also several online sources to get the required information, and test the performance of your web application just in a few minutes.
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