The Jigsaw Principle (Test Automation / Software Testing)

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces the 'Jigsaw Principle' as a metaphor for understanding automation in testing. Each jigsaw piece represents standalone components, such as libraries and classes, that are designed to be independent and reusable. The speaker emphasizes the importance of building a supportive framework (plumbing) that integrates these components into effective tools for specific testing purposes. Ultimately, these tools aim to assist human testers in their tasks, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in their use. This visualization provides a clear approach to constructing a modular and efficient automation architecture.

Takeaways

• 🧩 The jigsaw principle is a metaphor for viewing automation in the context of testing, emphasizing modularity in design.
• 🔗 Each jigsaw piece represents individual libraries or classes that contribute to the overall automation architecture.
• 🏗️ Automation components should be standalone and independent, enabling flexibility and reusability across different tools.
• 📦 Isolated pieces can be combined to create diverse tools tailored for specific automation tasks.
• 💻 Building 'plumbing' around these pieces allows for the integration of various libraries to form a complete tool.
• ⚙️ Different libraries (like WebDriver, JUnit, and REST Assured) can be assembled to suit various automation needs.
• 🔄 Reusing code across different automation projects enhances efficiency and value for money.
• 👥 Humans are the final piece in the automation process, responsible for interpreting and utilizing the tools created.
• 🧠 The flexibility of human input allows for the customization and adaptation of automation tools to meet varying requirements.
• 🌟 The jigsaw principle provides a visual framework for understanding how to build and manage automation architectures effectively.

Q & A

What is the jigsaw principle as described in the video?

The jigsaw principle is a visualization of how the speaker approaches automation in testing, viewing automation components as individual jigsaw pieces that fit together to form a complete architecture.

How does the speaker define the individual pieces of their automation architecture?

The individual pieces are defined as libraries or classes that are either sourced from the internet or created by the speaker. They are designed to be standalone, isolated, and independent.

What does it mean for the components to be self-contained?

Self-contained means that each component does not rely on other components to function; they perform their tasks independently without needing to know how they will be used.

Can you provide an example of a self-contained component mentioned in the video?

An example of a self-contained component is data creation code, which generates data without knowing its intended use.

What role does plumbing play in the jigsaw principle?

Plumbing refers to the additional code or framework that connects the individual pieces together, allowing them to work cohesively to create tools for testing.

How does the speaker suggest reusing code and components?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of writing reusable code, such as a reporting engine, so that it can be utilized across various automated checks and tools.

What is the final piece of the automation architecture as per the speaker?

The final piece is the human element, as tools are built to support users in processing information and facilitating testing.

Why does the speaker consider the human element the most important?

The human element is crucial because it is the user who processes the output of the tools and uses them to support testing efforts.

How does the speaker describe the flexibility of the final piece?

The speaker describes flexibility in that humans can mold and adapt the tools to various shapes and uses, unlike the fixed nature of the individual components.

What overall message does the speaker hope to convey with the jigsaw principle?

The speaker aims to convey that by visualizing automation as jigsaw pieces, one can build a modular and flexible automation architecture that can be adapted and reused for various purposes.