ABT and Keyword-driven testing – Similarities and Differences

Both Keyword-driven testing and Action Based Testing (ABT) use a test authoring approach that separates much of the programming work of test automation from the actual test design. This allows tests to be developed earlier and aids in tests maintenance.

Both methods use keywords symbolize test steps including interaction (e.g., UI, API, etc.) operations such as “click”, “enter”, and “select”; or business operations such “Enter Transaction”, “Delete Client”, and so on.

Action Based Testing

ABT is a top-down test development method that consists of three parts:

1. Modular Test Planning
2. Test Module Development
3. Action-driven Test Case authoring and action design

From a syntax standpoint, actions and keywords are similar, however, ABT actions are dynamic; they can be modified and combined. Also ABT has two categories of actions:

• System-Level actions for interface interaction operations and other system-related and/or utility operations.
• Application-Level actions are often used for business operations.

Below is an example of an ABT test with 4 action lines. Column A has the action, and the subsequent columns, B, C, D, etc. have the arguments of the action. The action “rent car” (row 72) is consider as a business operation and “click” (row 75) and “check” (rows 78 and 79) are considered as UI operation action.