Open source testing
We use HP’s QuickTest Pro (formerly Mercury QTP) for much of our automated regression testing. Unfortunately, QTP is a pricey piece of software, with a cost in the vicinity of $7,500 per user license. While it is a state-of-the-art automation system, at this price tag it comes with quite a barrier to entry — at least, for any large-scale configuration.
Open source to the rescue, at least so it seems. This article offers a look at how Hudson and Selenium can provide a powerful and fully automated regression testing platform. In fact, working together these two systems provide more automation than QTP alone can hope to achieve.
There is a cost though: As is often the nature of open source projects, setup and configuration is more involved than QTP installation. While the latter is a Windows program that you can have up-and-running within minutes, a Hudson/Selenium platform will involve programming resources and a stronger technical know-how. Personally, I favor using both: QTP provides an excellent, traditional “point-and-click” regression testing platform, while Hudson/Selenium can augment that process dramatically with integrated, build-level regression testing.
