After creating test cases and organizing them efficiently in Robot Framework, the next crucial step is to execute those tests and interpret the results. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of running test cases in Robot Framework, covering test execution, output, and how to make sense of the results.
Executing Test Cases
Running test cases in Robot Framework is a straightforward process. You can execute tests using the Robot Framework test runner, which can be invoked from the command line or integrated into your CI/CD pipeline.
Running a Single Test Suite
To run a single test suite, navigate to the directory containing your test suite file and use the following command:
robot your_test_suite.robotReplace your_test_suite.robot with the actual name of your test suite file.
Running Multiple Test Suites
If you have multiple test suite files and want to run them together, you can specify multiple file paths in the command:
robot suite1.robot suite2.robot suite3.robotYou can also use wildcard patterns to run all test suite files in a directory:
robot *.robotSelecting Specific Test Cases
If you want to run specific test cases within a test suite, you can use the -t or --test option:
robot -t "Test Case Name" your_test_suite.robotReplace "Test Case Name" with the name of the test case you want to run.
Running Tests with Tags
You can run tests with specific tags using the -i or --include option:
robot -i "Tag Name" your_test_suite.robotThis command will execute only the test cases with the specified tag.
Excluding Tests with Tags
To exclude test cases with specific tags, use the -e or --exclude option:
robot -e "Tag Name" your_test_suite.robotThis command will run all test cases except those with the specified tag.
Interpreting Test Execution Results
Once you’ve executed your test cases, Robot Framework generates detailed test execution reports. These reports are available in various formats, including HTML, XML, and plain text. The most commonly used format is HTML, as it provides a user-friendly and visual representation of the test results.
HTML Report
After running your tests, you can find the HTML report in the output directory (by default, the “output” directory in your project folder). Open the HTML report in a web browser to view the results.
The HTML report provides a summary of the test execution, including:
- Number of test cases executed.
- Number of test cases passed, failed, and skipped.
- Execution time for each test case and the entire suite.
- Detailed logs for each test case, including keyword execution and messages.
- A visual representation of test case status (pass or fail).
XML and Other Formats
Robot Framework also generates test execution results in XML, plain text, and other formats. These formats are useful for integration with CI/CD pipelines and test management systems. You can specify the output format using the --output option when running tests:
robot --output my_results.xml your_test_suite.robotYou can then parse and process the XML output using other tools or libraries.
Exit Code
Robot Framework returns an exit code after test execution, which can be used to determine the overall success or failure of the test run. A return code of 0 indicates that all test cases passed, while a non-zero code indicates failures.
Dealing with Failures
When a test case fails, Robot Framework provides detailed information about the failure, including the test case name, the keyword that failed, and any error messages. This information is crucial for identifying and debugging issues in your application.
As a best practice, it’s essential to investigate and address test failures promptly. You can rerun failed tests to verify fixes and ensure that your application remains in a working state.
Conclusion
Running test cases in Robot Framework is a straightforward process, thanks to its user-friendly syntax and robust test runner. Interpreting the results, which are provided in various formats, allows you to assess the quality of your application and identify areas that need improvement.
By mastering the art of running and interpreting test cases in Robot Framework, you’re well on your way to delivering high-quality software with confidence. Happy testing! 🤖🚀