Common Practices for Test Package Structuring in Automation Frameworks

When building automation frameworks for testing, the package structure for test classes plays a crucial role in maintaining a scalable, organized, and manageable codebase. Here are some common practices used in real-world company projects for structuring test packages within automation frameworks:

1. By Module or Feature:

Organizing test classes based on the functionality they are testing is a popular approach. It allows testers to focus on specific application modules or features individually, making the tests more cohesive and easier to maintain. For example:

project.module1
    LoginTest.java
    DashboardTest.java

project.module2
    UserProfileTest.java
    SettingsTest.java

2. By Page Objects:

This practice organizes test classes based on the page objects they interact with. Page objects represent the elements and actions of web pages, making the tests more readable and maintainable. The test classes are closely related to the page objects they use. For example:

project.pages
    LoginPage.java
    DashboardPage.java
    UserProfilePage.java

project.tests
    LoginTest.java
    DashboardTest.java
    UserProfileTest.java

3. By Test Category or Test Type:

Grouping test classes based on different test categories is beneficial when dealing with various types of testing, such as smoke tests, regression tests, or integration tests. This approach allows for better test management and selection of tests based on the testing focus. For example:

project.tests
    SmokeTests
        LoginTest.java
        DashboardTest.java
    RegressionTests
        UserProfileTest.java
    IntegrationTests
        SettingsTest.java

4. By Test Suites:

In projects utilizing TestNG or JUnit test runners, the package structure can reflect the organization of test suites. Test suites are collections of related test classes executed together. This enables testers to control the test execution flow and easily run specific groups of tests. For example:

project.tests
    Suite1
        LoginTest.java
        DashboardTest.java
    Suite2
        UserProfileTest.java

5. By Technology Stack:

For large projects that involve different technology stacks (e.g., frontend, backend, mobile), organizing test classes based on technology can enhance code maintainability and ease of understanding. It provides clear separation and identification of tests for specific components. For example:

project.frontend
    LoginPageTest.java
    DashboardPageTest.java

project.backend
    UserProfileApiTest.java
    SettingsApiTest.java

These are some common and widely used approaches, but by no means an exhaustive list. There are indeed numerous other ways to organize test classes within automation frameworks based on specific project requirements, team preferences, and testing goals.

Adopting a well-structured package organization for test classes is essential for creating an efficient and robust automation framework. The chosen structure should align with the project’s requirements, development practices, and team preferences, ensuring a smooth testing process and promoting collaborative development.

What is your company’s preferred test package structure model or your personal favorite? How does it contribute to your testing efforts? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!