From Basics to Brilliance: A Strategic Guide to Tricentis Tosca’s Test Automation

Written by Umair Khalid | 06 December 2024

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced software development environment, test automation is essential for ensuring application quality and reliability. As businesses strive to deliver faster and more efficiently, the demand for robust and scalable test automation solutions has never been greater. Tricentis Tosca meets this need by providing a powerful toolset to streamline end-to-end testing across diverse digital landscapes.

About Tricentis Tosca

Tricentis Tosca is a leading test automation tool that enables organisations to achieve end-to-end test automation quickly and precisely. With its codeless, AI-powered and model-based approach, Tosca simplifies automated testing, removing bottlenecks and reducing risks associated with software releases. It supports various technologies and platforms, making it versatile for diverse testing needs.

The Test Architect plays a crucial role in designing and implementing effective test automation strategies. Becoming proficient in Tricentis Tosca, especially through its certification program, provides Test Architects with valuable skills and expertise, enabling them to drive automation success.

In this blog, we will explore the journey to mastering Tricentis Tosca, covering its six certifications, the objectives and skills acquired and their significance in building a successful career in test automation.

What Does Tosca Do and What is it Used For?

Tricentis Tosca is a comprehensive test automation tool designed to streamline and enhance the software testing process.

Key features:

Automated Functional Testing: Tosca enables the creation and execution of automated functional tests for web, mobile, API and desktop applications.
Model-Based Test Automation: Testers can create models of the application under test, significantly reducing the complexity and effort involved in test creation.
End-to-end Test Automation: Tosca provides capabilities for end-to-end test automation, allowing testers to automate the entire testing process from test case design to execution and reporting.
Tosca Copilot: The Tosca Copilot is a generative AI-powered test automation assistant designed to boost productivity and application quality at every phase of the testing lifecycle.
Automation Recording Assistant: Enables business users to record actions for automated test case generation.
Service Virtualisation: Enables the simulation of external systems and services that are not readily available during testing.
Continuous Testing: Integrates with CI/CD tools, facilitating continuous testing as part of the development process.
Risk-Based Testing: Supports risk-based testing, prioritising test cases based on the potential risk and impact of application failures.
Test Data Management: Provides features for managing test data, including data generation, provisioning and masking capabilities.
Reporting and Analytics: Offers advanced reporting and analytics features that provide insights into the testing process and results.

When combined with the wider Tricentis platform, Tosca multiplies the automation benefits across all enterprise initiatives.

Tricentis: Enabling Continuous Testing Across the DevOps Lifecycle

What is Tosca Testing?

Tosca Testing refers to using the Tricentis Tosca tool to automate and execute tests for software applications. This includes Functional, Regression, End-to-end UI, API, SIT, Exploratory and Accessibility testing.
Tosca Testing leverages the tool’s capabilities to create reusable test cases, manage test data and generate comprehensive reports, ultimately improving the quality and reliability of the software being tested.

End-to-End Testing with Tricentis Tosca

What is the Tosca Framework?

The Tosca Framework is the structured environment and set of guidelines Tricentis Tosca provides for effective test automation.

It consists of the following key components:

Model-Based Test Automation:  Simplifies test case design and maintenance using models to represent the application under test.

Modules and Test Cases:  Reusable components representing UI elements combined to build comprehensive and maintainable test cases.

Test Data Management:  Enables accurate and reliable test results through efficient test data handling, allowing testers to create, modify and utilise data sets effectively throughout the testing process.

Service Virtualisation: Simulates external systems, ensuring uninterrupted testing even when third-party services are unavailable.

Continuous Testing: Integrates with CI/CD pipelines to ensure consistent testing throughout development.

Risk-based testing: Prioritises test cases by potential risk, helping to identify critical issues early.

Reporting and Analytics: Provide insights into test execution, helping teams make data-driven decisions to enhance quality.

Tricentis Tosca TestSuits

How Does Tosca Work?

Tricentis Tosca simplifies and streamlines the test automation process through its model-based approach, starting with application scanning to capture UI elements, followed by defining reusable modules for test case design. It supports both local and distributed test execution and integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines. Service virtualisation, risk-based testing and comprehensive reporting ensure smooth and continuous testing.

Tosca WorkFlow and Installations

Follow these simple steps to download and install Tricentis Tosca. This workflow ensures a seamless setup, allowing you to quickly start automating your test cases.

Go to this URL
Fill in the details and start your free trial.
Click ‘Start file download’ to download Tosca.
Open ‘Tosca Commander’ and activate your license.
Click ‘Connect’ -> ‘Connect to Cloud-hosted License Server’.
Enter login credentials and click ‘OK’.

Installation Guide

Tosca Commander Activation

Tosca Commander Connect with Cloud Server

User Management in Tosca

Admins can manage user-related tasks: create, activate, deactivate users, assign groups and set passwords.
Access User Management: Home -> Project -> User Management tab.
Create a user: Right-click Admin group -> Create User -> Set password.

User Management

User Creation

Creating Workspaces in Tosca

Click ‘Create New’ to create a workspace.
Select repository type: None, SQLite, Oracle, MS SQL Server, DB2.
Define the path and name for the workspace.
Use the Workspace Template checkbox -> Click OK.

Workspace Configuration

Modules in Tosca

Scan test objects via module folders.
Standard modules contain common operations.
Create User-defined modules by scanning applications. Right-click Module folder -> Scan.
Select scanning options: Application, API, Mobile, PDF, Remote Terminal.
Select elements to scan and click ‘Finish’.
Modules will appear in the module folder.

Modules

Test Case Creation in Tosca

Create test cases by dragging and dropping modules into the TestCase folder.
Create a folder under TestCase Folder.
Set Global Parameters (URL, Username, Password) in the Test ○ Configuration tab.
Add Global Parameters: Right-click Folder Name -> Test Configuration Parameters.

Test Case Creation

Tricentis Tosca Certifications: Journey to Become a Test Architect

To help visualise the Tricentis Tosca Certification Journey, below is a flowchart showcasing the key milestones and knowledge areas testers must focus on. Each certification step builds on the previous one, equipping individuals with the skills to excel in test automation.

Test Architect Journey for Tricentis Tosca

Following courses are available here:

Tricentis Tosca Fundamentals: Automating Web Application Testing — AS1
The course introduces core test automation concepts within the Tosca framework. Key learning objectives include understanding core concepts, creating and managing test cases and following best practices. This course is essential to ensure testers can confidently set up and execute automated tests for web applications.
Tricentis Tosca Fundamentals: Optimising Test Automation with Centralised Test Data — AS2
This course focuses on optimising test automation through effective test data management. Key learning objectives cover centralised test data management and enhancing automation efficiency. Centralised test data is vital for scaling test automation and ensuring consistency.
Tricentis Tosca Deep Dive: Automating Beyond Web Applications — AE1
This course covers test automation for various types of applications beyond web-based ones. Key learning objectives include diverse application automation and addressing automation challenges. This course equips testers to handle various types of applications and improve overall testing coverage.
Tricentis Tosca Deep Dive: Structuring Your Test Cases and Test Data — TDS1
This course explores advanced aspects of test case design and test data management. Key learning objectives include advanced test case structuring and effective test data management. It‘s crucial for ensuring comprehensive test coverage and reducing the complexity of test maintenance.

Once certified in AS1 + AS2 + AE1 + TDS1, testers have the essential skills to perform automated testing efficiently.

To expand further:

Tricentis Tosca Deep Dive: Managing Your Stateful Data — TDS2
This course delves into the management of stateful data within Tosca. Key learning objectives focus on managing stateful data and ensuring data consistency. Proper management of stateful data is essential for accurate representation of test scenarios and reliable test results.
Tricentis Tosca Expert Series: Building and Managing Test Portfolios Using the Tosca Ecosystem — TA1
This advanced course covers test strategy development, infrastructure setup and using Tosca extensions. Key learning objectives include advanced test automation strategies, infrastructure management and the utilisation of Tosca extensions. This course is crucial for effectively managing complex test automation projects.

For testers aiming to broaden their expertise, continuing with TDS2 and AE will help them tackle more challenging automation tasks, ensuring comprehensive coverage and efficient test management.

Advantages of Tosca in the Future

Enhanced efficiency through AI and machine learning.
Comprehensive test coverage and support for emerging technologies.
No-code/low-code solutions for broader team collaboration.
Advanced reporting and analytics for data-driven improvements.

Future of Test Automation with Tricentis Tosca

As software development evolves, test automation remains vital. Tricentis Tosca, with its AI-powered and model-based approach, is poised to lead the future, offering enhanced efficiency, collaboration and adaptability in test automation.

Conclusion

Efficient test automation is essential in today’s fast-paced software development. Tricentis Tosca simplifies test case creation with its model-based approach, enabling technical and non-technical users to achieve scalable automation. Its features, like automated functional testing, service virtualisation and risk-based testing, ensure high-quality software and adaptability. Tosca’s reporting and analytics provide actionable insights for continuous improvement. The certification journey equips testers with the skills to excel, preparing them for complex automation challenges. As automation advances with AI and DevOps, Tosca remains a leading tool for enhancing test coverage, collaboration and efficiency.

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