10 Robot Framework Best Practices
The Robot Framework is a great tool for automating tests, but there are a few best practices you should follow to get the most out of it.
Robot Framework is a popular open-source test automation framework that is used to automate acceptance tests. It is a keyword-driven framework that is easy to use and understand. It is also extensible and can be used to test web, mobile, and desktop applications.
In this article, we will discuss 10 best practices for using Robot Framework. We will cover topics such as how to structure your tests, how to use keywords effectively, and how to use the framework to its fullest potential. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your tests are reliable and maintainable.
1. Use the same indentation for all lines
Robot Framework is a keyword-driven test automation framework, which means that it uses keywords to define the actions that need to be taken. These keywords are organized into blocks of code, and each block needs to have the same indentation level in order for Robot Framework to recognize them as part of the same block. If you don’t use the same indentation level, then Robot Framework won’t be able to interpret your code correctly.
Using the same indentation level also makes your code easier to read and understand, since it’s clear where one block ends and another begins. This helps make debugging and maintenance much simpler.
2. Use spaces instead of tabs
Robot Framework is a text-based language, and tabs are not always interpreted the same way across different systems. This can lead to unexpected results when running tests on different machines. On the other hand, spaces are universally understood by all systems, so using them ensures that your code will be interpreted correctly no matter where it’s run.
Using spaces also makes your code easier to read and maintain. It’s much simpler to scan through a file with consistent indentation than one with inconsistent tabbing. So if you want to make sure your Robot Framework scripts are readable and portable, use spaces instead of tabs!
3. Separate sections with a blank line
Robot Framework is a keyword-driven test automation framework, which means that it reads the code line by line. When you separate sections with a blank line, Robot Framework can easily distinguish between different parts of your code and understand what each section does. This makes it easier for both humans and machines to read and interpret the code.
Additionally, separating sections with a blank line helps make your code more organized and readable. It also allows you to quickly find specific sections in your code without having to scroll through long lines of text.
4. Avoid long lines
Long lines of code can be difficult to read and debug, making it harder for developers to understand the logic behind the test. Additionally, long lines can cause errors due to syntax issues or typos that are hard to spot in a single line.
To avoid this issue, break up your Robot Framework code into multiple lines. This will make it easier to read and debug, as well as reduce the chances of errors. It’s also important to use meaningful variable names so that you can easily identify what each variable is used for. Finally, add comments to explain any complex logic or steps that may not be immediately obvious.
5. Use meaningful names
When you use meaningful names, it makes your code easier to read and understand. This is especially important when working with a team of developers because everyone will be able to quickly identify what the code does without having to spend time deciphering it.
Meaningful names also make debugging much easier. If something goes wrong in your code, it’s much easier to pinpoint the issue if you have descriptive variable and function names. Finally, using meaningful names helps keep your code organized and maintainable over time.
6. Name test cases in CamelCase
CamelCase is a naming convention that uses capital letters to separate words in a phrase. This makes it easier for developers and testers to quickly identify the purpose of each test case, as well as its associated keywords. It also helps keep your code organized and readable.
For example, if you have a test case called “VerifyLoginPage,” it’s easy to tell what the test case does just by looking at the name. Additionally, CamelCase names are more descriptive than other naming conventions, such as underscores or hyphens.
7. Name keywords in lowercase and separated by underscores
Robot Framework is a keyword-driven test automation framework, which means that keywords are the building blocks of tests. By naming them in lowercase and separating words with underscores, you make it easier to read and understand your code. This makes it easier for other developers to work on your code and helps prevent errors due to typos or incorrect capitalization. Additionally, this convention also ensures consistency across all of your tests, making them more maintainable in the long run.
8. Keep your tests short
Tests that are too long can be difficult to read and maintain, making them hard to debug. Additionally, longer tests take more time to run, which can slow down your development process.
To keep your tests short, break up large tasks into smaller ones. This will make it easier for you to identify any issues with the code quickly. You should also use keywords whenever possible to reduce the amount of code needed in each test. Finally, try to avoid using loops or other complex logic as much as possible.
9. Write only one assertion per keyword
When you write multiple assertions in a single keyword, it can be difficult to debug and maintain. If one of the assertions fails, it’s hard to tell which one caused the failure. Additionally, if you need to make changes to the keyword later on, you’ll have to go through all the assertions again to ensure that everything is still working correctly.
By writing only one assertion per keyword, you can easily identify which assertion failed and quickly make any necessary changes. This will save you time and effort in the long run, making your Robot Framework tests more efficient and reliable.
10. Test only one thing per test case
When you test multiple things in a single test case, it can be difficult to determine which part of the test failed. This makes debugging and troubleshooting more time-consuming and complex. Additionally, if one part of the test fails, then the entire test will fail, even though other parts may have passed.
By testing only one thing per test case, you can easily identify which part of the test failed and why. This helps make debugging and troubleshooting much easier and faster. It also allows for better reporting since each test case is focused on a specific task or feature.
