How to start learning automation tools

One of the most frequently asked questions about software testing automation is "where should I start learnig an automation tool?". In this blog post we will try to give an answer to this question without using a concrete tool.

So where is it better to start learning a tool which you are planning to use in future?
There are several things one should understand from the very beginning.

1. Recording is not enough. Almost all automation tools allow users to record their actions and then play them back. Some people think that it can solve all their problems. Just record actions and it's done! As a matter of fact this is not true. Recorded scripts cannot be used for a long time. It is difficult to understand recorded actions and maintain such scripts. However, this feature is very useful when you are starting learning a tool. It helps to understand how automation tool interacts with an application under test.
2. Not everyone can automate testing process. Some people think that anyone can do this job. But sometimes it is more difficult to find a good automation specialist than a programmer or a tester. Automation testing specialist should have both programming and testing skills, and not all people are able to combine them.

Now we can move on and continue with learning a tool.

1. Reading documentation. Of course, the main source of knowledge is documentation. Unfortunately, there are no good books for the most of automation tools. You have to use help materials for your application and Getting Started documents.
2. Programming language. You have to be experianced in the programming language which is used in the automation tool. Otherwise it is impossible to create maintainable scripts.
3. Participating internet forums. Subscribe to different internet forums dedicated to the tool you use. Read question and answers from that forums. Ask your own question, if it is necessary. Some time later you will find out, that there are questions which you can answer. Try to answer such questions. Try to explain your thoughts and experience. Hardly you will be able to give an expert suggestion in your first anwer, but it will be the first step in your carieer. Keep in mind, that the best way to learn something is to teach others.
4. Pilot project. Before you start to create working scripts, it is recommended to create a pilot project. Try the automation tool you have chosen. Treat this project as a draft which will not be used after you finish it. It is doubtful that you will use something from this project a month or two later.
5. Code review. It is good if there is someone in your team who has an experience in the automation tool and can help you. However, if you work alone, it desirable that your code is checked by an experienced programmer. It is possible that someone else might use and maintaine your scripts in the future. Skilled developer won't need too much time to analize your code and give you several useful suggestions.
6. Using samples from the automation tool's package. Usually you can find examples of scripts in the tool's installation package. They can work either with standard Windows application (Notepad, Calculator, etc.) or with sample applications from the installation package. There are a lot of comments in these examples usually which describe some language and application features.

And finally some important things you should understand before starting learning an automation tool.

1. If you don't understand the difference between variables and constants, integer and float types, functions, procedures and methods - think twice before starting using automation. You will not be able to create good scripts without having basic programming skills
2. If you don't understand or prefer not to use loop statements (while, for, until), conditional statements (if, switch, select) - you will have a lot of problems not depending on which toll you use
3. If you don't understand the difference between classes and objects, functions and methods, or you prefer to use global variables everywhere - it will be very difficult for you to use any object-oriented language. Your scripts will work, but it will be difficult to understand it for other people
4. If you don't like testing process - think twice before starting learning automation. Some people who like development process don't like to test at all. And software testing automation is both developing and testing. You had better not to start learning, than to start and give up