What are the most effective approaches for debugging automation testing failures as an entry-level tester?

As an entry-level tester debugging automation failures: Review Logs: Analyze automation logs for error details. Data Check: Ensure test data aligns with expectations. Step Debugging: Use breakpoints to identify failure points. Code Review: Inspect test and application code for errors. Isolate Issues: Determine if the failure is script, data, or application-related. Reproduce Manually: Replicate the issue manually for context. Collaborate with Developers: Seek guidance on code changes. Refer Documentation: Check application and framework documentation. Debugging Tools: Use browser tools or framework debugging features. Learn and Document: Treat failures as learning opportunities, document findings, and apply insights to future tests.

- If failures are happening in Production, try to reproduce the issue locally, try to execute in debug mode. - Checking Version control history also helps in this scenario to double check if any recent changes might have introduced the failure. - Ensure that the test data used in the automation script is valid and appropriate for the test scenario.

First fully understand the issue. Carefully read all information provided by the ticket issuer, logs & KPIs. Many cases can be easily solved only with this information, as some may occur by the infrastructure, and in other cases, technical errors may be thrown, it could be a programming issue like a NullPointerException or a BusinessError like a missing permission which is not handled properly. If the issue is still not clear, step back, and try to understand the gap between the current business state and the expected business state. Determine gaps within the context, especially in special cases. Match it to the code and debug after reproduction in the dev environment step by step - understand what the code you read really does.

The first step would be to reproduce the issue, once you have that then a logging feature should be enabled allowing you to see why it's failed and what has been happening in the background. If not then you can reproduce but with different scenarios, this will allow you to see if it is just one thing causing the issue or many different things. This will allow you to narrow down and make a much more detailed big report making it easier for devs to know exactly what's going on

As an entry-level tester, debugging automation testing failures can be challenging but crucial for your learning process. Here are some effective approaches to help in troubleshooting of the issue: Understand the Failure , Review Test Code, Logging, Inspect Test Data, Debugging Tools, Screenshot Capture, Review Application Logs, Retry the Test, Check Environment Configuration, Learn from Documentation. We should always remember that debugging is a skill that improves with practice. Approach each failure as a learning opportunity, and over time, one can become more proficient at identifying and resolving issues in your automation tests.

Sometimes an intermittent failure could still be considered a real failure which requires fixing. It could be intermittent in nature such that it does not happen every time but not entirely random in that it occurs once every two tries for example.

Reproducing failures is crucial for entry-level testers to confirm bugs. The pros are clear: it ensures the failure is consistent and helps identify environment-specific issues. However, it can be time-consuming, especially with intermittent bugs, and varying test environments might introduce new variables. In conclusion, despite the challenges, faithfully reproducing failures is vital for accurate debugging and a fundamental skill in automated testing.

Intermittent failures can be the hardest to debug and a lot of the time is does not happen while you are debugging. If this is the case I find adding in additional reporting lines around where you think the issue is so you can move on to other things and when the failure happens again you should have more information to go on and can compare that to successfully runs.

Failure happens many time and many of them are reproduce easily, but some of them need specific data or environment and attempt. Reproducing it helps to understand it's severity and understand that it is actually occurs or not.

After identifying the root cause, the next step in debugging automation testing failures is to reproduce the failure consistently and reliably. This ensures the failure is not random and is linked to the specific test case and scenario. Reproduce the failure by rerunning the test script with the same or similar inputs, parameters, and settings. Additionally, test on different browsers, devices, or platforms to check for platform-specific issues. Confirming the reproducibility of the failure validates its existence and provides a consistent starting point for resolution.

- Breakpoints are useful here also to identify at which line of code does the failure happen. - Print statements or logging functions are good to use to check the values of variables at during points of the code.

Isolating the failure is a critical step that I strongly advocate for. It simplifies the problem, stripping away extraneous elements so you can focus on the core issue. The pros are evident: it makes the debugging process more manageable, and pinpointing the exact failure becomes simpler. However, there are cons. Isolation can be tedious if the codebase is large or poorly documented. It may also lead to overlooking broader system interactions that contribute to the fault. In conclusion, while it can be laborious and potentially myopic, isolation is an invaluable technique in automation testing. Streamlining the code to expose a failure offers clarity and expedites the resolution process.

As a entry level automation tester one should practice to find breakpoints when it get fails and playing on it with multiple inputs provide us a idea of its functionality and behavior.

In the third step of debugging automation testing failures, isolate the issue to the smallest, simplest unit. This eliminates unnecessary factors and aids in pinpointing the exact location and reason for the failure. Simplify and modify the test script by removing irrelevant code or altering portions to isolate the failure. Employ assertions, print statements, or logging functions to inspect variable values and outcomes. By isolating the failure, you expose and understand it better, streamlining the debugging process.

Use debugging points to reach to the root level of the issue . Understand and work on giving the best possible fix to overcome failures again in future

Fix the failure in such a way that , it will not break again if there is small change in UI . Fix should be generic and it should be reusable and maintainable

Fixing failures is the final, gratifying step in debugging. I value the dual benefits: resolving issues and improving code quality. It's a chance to refine scripts for better future performance. Yet, this step has its pitfalls. I'm mindful of the risk that my fixes could spawn new issues if not meticulously tested. Quick fixes are tempting but might overlook root causes. In conclusion, effective failure resolution is essential but must be carefully executed to prevent further complications. It's a balance of swift action and thorough quality assurance, a skill honed through experience.

The final step in debugging automation testing failures is to apply the appropriate solution, which may involve correcting the test script, application, configuration, or environment. Validate the solution by running the test script, ensuring the failure is resolved without introducing new issues. Refactor and optimize the test script for improved readability and performance. Debugging automation testing demands patience, logic, and creativity. For entry-level testers, enhancing debugging skills involves following these steps, utilizing tools, learning from experience, and embracing feedback—an opportunity for both problem-solving and personal growth in automation testing.

Here are some things which would help to debug automated tests: - Use the automation framework logs (and/or screenshots, video recording) to identify where the issue is occurring. - Put a debugger on those methods/functions to identify and investigate. - If it's intermittent: A. Check the frequency by running the test via automation again. B. Try to perform the same steps as an end user (if dealing with application UI) - Use application logs to get further info if needed. - Make use of step into and step back like functions while debugging. - If the test script fails only when executed in parallel, configure the debugger in such a way that one can investigate all the threads running in parallel.

In my career, I've learned the value of collaboration and fresh perspectives in debugging. Discussing issues with colleagues often brings unforeseen solutions to light. Also, stepping away from a tough problem or explaining it to an inanimate 'rubber duck' can sometimes offer clarity. Equally important is staying updated with industry trends. The tech field evolves swiftly; methods and tools can become quickly outdated. Engaging with the community through forums and continuing education has been key to refining my debugging expertise. These practices enrich the technical aspects of debugging, emphasizing a more comprehensive approach to tackling challenges in automation testing.