This section intends to cover:
Definition of a test automation framework
Advantages of using a test automation framework
Types of test automation frameworks (modular-driven, data-driven, keyword-driven, model-driven, and hybrid)
Designing a test automation framework
Test automation framework (often referred to in the testing industry as testware automation frameworks) is an integrated software solution that defines the rules for the development, maintenance, and execution of automated test assets. Typically, such a solution also defines how test results are reported, how runtime errors are handled, and how test data is managed. A test automation framework comprises function libraries, data sources (for example, Excel or XML files and DB), object models (such as stored in an object repository), and it may also include additional reusable external modules (for example, DLL files, COM objects, configuration scripts...