Keyword-driven scripting is the most suitable technique in this scenario. It allows test cases to be added easily by using predefined keywords that represent actions or objects in the application. This reduces script duplication and lowers maintenance costs, as changes can be made at the keyword level without needing to modify each test case individually. Additionally, keyword-driven scripting abstracts the complexity of the scripts, making them more maintainable and scalable.
To meet the requirements of collecting trend-based metrics on code coverage with minimal manual intervention, the best approach is for the automated testware to record overall code coverage for each run and export the data to a pre-formatted Excel spreadsheet that automatically updates a trend analysis bar chart. This ensures stakeholders can easily track changes in code coverage and make informed decisions without manual data handling, thereby reducing errors and overhead.
Automated exploratory testing is difficult to implement because exploratory testing involves human intuition, creativity, and decision-making on the fly, which are challenging to replicate in an automated script. This makes it a significant disadvantage of test automation. Operator errors are less likely in automated tests, and slower feedback is typically not a disadvantage of automation as it generally speeds up the testing process.
Evaluating the impact of new features on the TAS involves technical assessments directly related to the automated testing suite and the test automation system. Gathering feedback from Business Analysts focuses on business requirements and user needs, not on the technical operation or compatibility of the TAS. Therefore, consulting Business Analysts would not be an appropriate action in this specific context as it does not address the technical implications on the TAS.
The test execution layer consists of the tools and processes needed for executing test cases automatically, logging test case executions, and reporting the test results. This layer is responsible for generating the results from the tests, which are critical for merging the test automation results with the test management system to provide a comprehensive view of the progress to managers.