Automation Testing

Top Free Automation Tools for Testing Desktop Applications (2024)

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Desktop Automation Testing Tools | Test Guild.

While many testers only focus on browser automation there is still a need for Automating Testing Desktop Applications.

And while a majority or native desktop tooling is vendor based there is little information around open source and free tools.

So that is what you will discover in this post along with information taken for over 10 years of interviews from some of the creators of these tools.

As software testers, we are fortunate to have many open-source tools for browser and API automation testing.

However, identifying the right resources for desktop application automation can be challenging.

Have you ever wondered, “Which automation tools best suit desktop-based applications?” Look no further! We have compiled an up-to-date list of the top 14 free automation testing tools specifically designed for desktop applications, empowering you to boost efficiency and enhance product quality updated for 2024.

If that’s you, this post is for you.

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • The top 17 free automation tools for testing desktop applications
  • The pros and cons of each automation tool
  • How these tools can help your desktop-based applications

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AskUI

askUI‘s slogan is what can be said can be solved : that includes automated desktop applications.

It's also one of the newer tools on this list.

It works by using natural language and visual features for a real no-code black-box testing experience. This platform is designed to automate user interface tests across various environments, including desktop applications, web applications, enterprise applications, native mobile applications, and platform-independent frameworks like Flutter, Xamarin, and QT. With AskUI, users can automate on Windows, macOS, Linux, and any browser including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, without relying on automation IDs, making it a versatile tool for testing and automating desktop applications.

Key Features

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Automates on Windows, MacOS, Linux, and supports web applications on all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
  • Enterprise Application Support: Efficiently automates enterprise applications like SAP, ServiceNow, Citrix, and Salesforce.
  • Mobile Application Automation: Offers automation for Android and iOS devices, supporting both real and virtual devices.
  • AI-Driven Automation: Utilizes a deep learning model trained on thousands of UIs to identify any visible UI element across operating systems, enabling a new level of workflow automation.
  • Human-like Interaction: Simulates real user actions such as mouse movements and clicks without accessing the underlying code selectors or DOM.
  • Visual-Based UI Element Identification: Identifies UI elements based solely on visual features, eliminating the need for object repositories.
Feature Pros Cons
Compatibility Supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, and all major browsers. Can automate desktop, web, and mobile applications. N/A
Enterprise Application Support Efficiently automates complex enterprise applications like SAP, ServiceNow, Citrix, and Salesforce. N/A
AI-Driven Automation Utilizes deep learning to identify UI elements across OS, enabling advanced workflow automation without selectors. N/A
Human-like Interaction Simulates real user actions for a natural testing experience, ensuring higher fidelity in automation results. N/A
Learning Curve N/A New users may require time to adapt to the AI-driven, visual-based automation approach.
Dependence on Visual Accuracy N/A Automation success heavily relies on the accuracy of visual identification, which can be affected by UI complexity.
Resource Intensity N/A May require significant computational resources due to the advanced AI and visual processing features.

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 65 stars on GitHub.

WinAppDriver

WinAppDriver is Microsoft's official open-source tool for automating Windows desktop applications. It implements the familiar Appium protocol, enabling developers and testers to write automated tests for Windows apps in any Appium-supported language. WinAppDriver supports testing Universal Windows Platform (UWP), Windows Forms (WinForms), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), and Classic Windows (Win32) apps.

Windows Application Driver is a service to support Selenium-like UI Test Automation on Windows Applications.

So you can create automated test scripts that simulate user interactions with native Windows applications, such as launching the app, finding and clicking UI elements, entering text, and reading attributes. WinAppDriver provides a range of locator strategies for finding elements, including accessibility IDs, names, class names, and XPaths.

Key Features

  • Testing Universal Windows Platform (UWP)
  • Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
  • Windows Forms (WinForms)
  • Classic Windows (Win32) apps on Windows 10 PCs.
  • The Windows Application Driver complies with the JSON Wire Protocol standard and some application management functionalities defined by Appium.

PROS

CONS

Takes advantage of the industry-standard WebDriver Protocol Developed by Microsoft

Not useful if you don’t have to automate Oracle applications. Had not bee updated in years.

UPDATE: Look like development on WinAppDriver has been paused. And based on the comments in the update, it looks like it may not be a good option going forward (thanks to Peter Thomas for letting me know about this).

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 3.5k stars on GitHub.

Winium

Winium is an open-source test automation framework for Windows desktop applications.

It is based on Selenium, allowing users to write automated tests in languages such as C#. Winium is designed to be cross-platform and can be easily integrated with test runners like NUnit. The framework supports various methods for inspecting and interacting with UI elements, making it a versatile tool for automating tests of Windows desktop apps.

Winium aims to provide a user-friendly and familiar experience for testers and developers who are already accustomed to using Selenium for web application testing.

Key Features

  • Selenium-Based: Integrates seamlessly with Selenium WebDriver, allowing for the use of familiar WebDriver-compatible languages like Java, C#, Python, and more.
  • Cross-Platform Testing: Supports testing across various Windows platforms, including Windows Desktop (WPF, WinForms) Apps, Windows Store, Universal Apps for Windows Phone, and Windows Phone Silverlight Apps.
  • Versatile Language Support: Enables writing tests in multiple programming languages, offering flexibility to developers accustomed to different tech stacks.
  • Compatibility with Testing Frameworks: Works with any testing framework, allowing teams to continue using their preferred tools and methodologies.
  • Support for Mobile and Desktop Applications: Facilitates testing of both desktop applications based on WinForms and WPF platforms, and mobile applications, including Windows Phone 8.1 Store Apps and Windows 10 Mobile.

PROS

CONS

  1. Support multiple languages 
  2. Uses the tried and tested WebDriver API that most tests already know

CAUTION: This project looks like it hasn't been updated in a long time.

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 374 stars on GitHub.

Pywinauto 

Do you love using Python as your go-to language for everything and also need to automate Windows desktop applications? If so, check out pywinauto.

It describes itself as a GUI automation library written in pure Python and well developed for Windows GUI. At its simplest, it allows you to send mouse and keyboard actions to dialogs and controls on both Windows and Linux, while more complex text-based actions are supported on Windows only thus far (Linux AT-SPI support is under development).

The latest release introduced MS UI Automation (UIA) support, which includes WinForms, WPF, Qt browsers, Store apps-based tests, and more.  

Key Features

  • Cross-Backend Support: Pywinauto supports both Win32 API (default) and MS UI Automation, offering broad compatibility with various Windows applications.
  • Selenium-Like Syntax for Windows Applications: Offers a familiar, Selenium-like interface for automating Windows GUI elements, making it easier for testers familiar with web testing to adapt.
  • Pythonic Approach to Automation: Utilizes Python's simplicity and power to make script writing more efficient and readable, even for complex automation tasks.
  • Cross-Platform User Input Emulation: Beyond Windows, it supports user input emulation (mouse and keyboard actions) on Linux, expanding its utility in cross-OS testing environments.
  • Extensive Documentation: Comprehensive documentation, including a Getting Started Guide and examples, ensures a smooth learning curve for new users.

PROS

CONS

Since this is a Python library, it is great for testers already using Python. I love Python, so I'm calling it a pro, lol.

It uses Python. Believe it or not, there are some weirdos out there that don't like Python.

 

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 3.6k stars on GitHub.


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Oracle Application Testing Suite 

Does your team do a lot of Oracle-based software development?

Oracle Application Testing Suite (OATS) contains many integrated products to help with Oracle Functional Testing for regression testing of Web applications, and Oracle Load Testing for performance testing of your Oracle packaged solutions.

Oracle explains that its Application Testing Suite is a comprehensive, integrated testing solution that ensures the quality, scalability, and availability of your Web applications, Web Services, packaged Oracle Applications, and Oracle databases.

This integrated, full lifecycle solution enables you to define and manage your application testing process, validate application functionality, and ensure that your applications will perform under load.

With the Application Testing Suite, you can deploy your Web applications and Web Services in less time while maximizing the efficiency of your testing team.

Oracle Application Testing suite contains a bunch of integrated products to help with Oracle Functional Testing for regression testing of web applications and Oracle Load Testing for performance testing of your Oracle packaged solutions.

Key Features

  • Oracle Functional Testing: Automates functional and regression testing of web and desktop applications, providing a powerful script-based approach for precise test scenario execution.
  • Flow Builder: Simplifies the creation of automated test scripts with a no-code, flowchart-based interface, making it easier for non-technical users to define and automate test scenarios for Oracle E-Business Suite applications.
  • OpenScript: Offers a scripting platform that supports a wide range of technologies, enabling testers to create versatile and reusable test scripts for automated functional and load testing.
  • Test Management: With Oracle Test Manager, teams can organize, manage, and execute test plans and test cases in a structured manner, enhancing collaboration and efficiency throughout the testing lifecycle.
  • Load Testing: Oracle Load Testing assesses the scalability, stability, and performance of web applications under simulated real-world load conditions, identifying bottlenecks and performance issues before they impact end-users.
  • Cross-Platform Testing: Supports testing of applications across various environments and platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage and high application quality regardless of the deployment scenario.

PROS

CONS

If you need a tool to help test your regression and performance test your Oracle applications or databases, OATS is a must-try tool.

Not useful if you don’t have to automate Oracle applications.

 

SikuliX

SikuliX

SikuliX can help automate anything you see on the screen of your desktop computer running Windows, Mac, or some Linux/Unix. SikuliX uses image recognition powered by OpenCV to identify and control GUI components.

By simply identifying elements on the screen via screenshots, SikuliX allows users to automate tasks across any application, regardless of the programming language or technology it was built with. Suitable for both testers and developers, SikuliX streamlines the process of automation testing, making it an indispensable tool for quality assurance and repetitive task automation.

With its Python scripting capabilities, SikuliX stands out for its ease of use and flexibility, catering to a wide range of automation needs from testing to daily task automation.

Years ago, I spoke with the main developer and maintainer of SikuliX, Raimund Hocke, on Episode 40 of my automation testing podcast.

After speaking with Raimund, I thought it would be helpful to create a quick video to demonstrate just how easy it is to get started with SikuliX.

Key Features

  • Cross-Platform Support: SikuliX runs on Windows, macOS, and most Linux/Unix systems, offering a versatile solution for desktop automation across different environments.
  • Image Recognition Technology: Utilizes OpenCV to identify and interact with GUI components based solely on screenshots, making it highly effective for applications where accessing the internal GUI structure is challenging.
  • Multiple Scripting Languages: Supports scripting in Python (via Jython), Ruby (via JRuby), JavaScript, and allows for usage in Java programming, ensuring flexibility for developers and testers with varying programming preferences.
  • Robot Framework Integration: Provides support for running RobotFramework text-scripts, enhancing its capabilities in automated testing scenarios.
  • Remote and Multi-Monitor Environments: Capable of automating tasks on remote systems and in multi-monitor setups, extending its utility in complex testing environments.
  • Basic OCR Capabilities: Comes with built-in text recognition features powered by Tesseract, enabling search and interaction based on text within images.
  • Extensive Documentation and Community Support: Offers comprehensive documentation and a strong community for users to seek help, share knowledge, and contribute to the project.

PROS

CONS

Good option if you have an application that needs to be tested that has controls that aren’t recognized by other solutions

Image-based automation is tricky and often time unreliable. I would use this approach only as a last resort.

 

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 2.5k stars on GitHub.

FlaUI

FlaUI is a .NET library that helps with automated test scripts for Windows user interface applications (Win32, WinForms, WPF, Store Apps.)

This tool was developed to replace the older White Framework that was depreciated. 

It provides developers and QA professionals with a powerful tool for automating Windows application testing. By leveraging Microsoft's UI Automation APIs, FlaUI facilitates the creation of automated test scripts for a broad range of applications with minimal effort. Whether you're working on legacy WinForms applications, complex WPF applications, or modern Store Apps, FlaUI offers a unified approach to automation that enhances test coverage, improves accuracy, and accelerates the testing cycle. 

Key Features

  • Unified API for UI Automation: FlaUI provides a single, coherent API that supports both UIA2 (managed library) and UIA3 (COM library), allowing testers to choose the most suitable version for their applications.
  • Extensive Technology Support: With its comprehensive coverage of Windows application types, FlaUI enables automation across Win32, WinForms, WPF, and Store Apps, ensuring broad applicability.
  • Modern Codebase: Designed with a clean and modern codebase, FlaUI encourages collaboration and further development, making it easier for contributors to add new features or fix bugs.
  • Choice of UI Automation Versions: Developers can choose between UIA2 and UIA3, depending on the specific needs of their testing environment, including support for newer features or compatibility with different types of applications.
  • Integration with Testing Frameworks: FlaUI seamlessly integrates with existing .NET testing frameworks, allowing for the creation of robust automated testing suites that can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Open Source and Community-Driven: As an open-source project, FlaUI benefits from the contributions of a vibrant community of developers, ensuring continuous improvement and updates based on real-world testing needs.

PROS

CONS

A good option for automation Window interfaces.

1. No multi-language support – only supports writing test in C#According to one user comment on GitHub, “We had to create a lot of extensions for it to be reliable.

2. There is a ton of missing features, and it doesn't have Retry mechanisms.

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 2.1k stars on GitHub.

AutoIt

AutoIt Automation

AutoIt v3 is a freeware, BASIC-like scripting language designed for automating the Windows GUI and general scripting.  

It allows users to write scripts for automating repetitive tasks, manipulating windows and controls, and handling files and registry entries. With AutoIt, developers and testers can automate interactions with both standard and custom GUIs, enhancing testing accuracy and efficiency while reducing manual effort. AutoIt's ease of use, combined with its powerful scripting capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for automating virtually any aspect of the Windows operating system, from software installation and configuration to comprehensive GUI testing.

Way back in the day I actually integrated AutoIt into my Selenium framework to handle window pop-ups

Key Features

  • Freeware: AutoIt is available as a freeware, making it accessible for personal and commercial use without any licensing costs.
  • BASIC-like Syntax: Offers a simple, BASIC-like syntax that is easy to learn and use, even for those new to programming.
  • Simulated User Interaction: Enables automation through simulated keystrokes, mouse movements, and window/control manipulation, providing a high level of control over desktop applications.
  • Comprehensive Function Library: Includes a rich set of functions for handling strings, files, and registry entries, as well as for managing windows and controls.
  • Built-in Script Editor: Comes with a full-featured script editor (SciTE) that provides syntax highlighting, code folding, and integrated debugging features.
  • Executable Compilation: Allows scripts to be compiled into standalone executables, making it easy to distribute and deploy automated tasks and tests.
  • Extensive Community Support: Benefits from a large and active community, offering a wealth of scripts, UDFs (User Defined Functions), and tutorials for both beginners and advanced users.
  • Cross-Application Automation: Capable of automating not just native Windows applications but also web browsers and third-party software, broadening its applicability.

PROS

CONS

  1. Easy to use syntax
  2. Support COM

Doesn't support Java

 

 

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ZAPTEST

ZAPTEST

ZAPTEST is one of those tools I’ve been hearing about for a while but never tried until I heard that it now offers a free edition. So I decided to include it here. 

This tool an be used to create test automation against any GUI-based application. It also supports any environment, making it a very flexible solution if you're looking for cross-operating system support. Be aware that you would have to pay for the more advanced features.

Check out my interview with the founder of ZAPTEST to learn more.

Key Features

  • AI and Computer Vision: Leverages AI and visual recognition for precise automation and testing, even in complex, dynamic GUI environments.
  • Cross-Platform Execution: Its 1SCRIPT technology enables script execution across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more, without the need for modifications.
  • WebDriver Integration: Enhances automation capabilities for web applications by allowing direct interactions with web elements for more efficient and comprehensive tests.
  • Unlimited Licenses: Enterprise subscribers receive unlimited licenses, ensuring that scaling your automation efforts won't incur additional costs.
  • Task-Agnostic Automation: Capable of automating a wide range of tasks beyond testing, including business processes, for comprehensive RPA implementation.
  • ZAPTEST Copilot: An AI-driven feature that generates intelligent code snippets, simplifying the script creation process and optimizing test execution.
  • Parallel Execution with M-RUN: Allows simultaneous execution of tests across multiple devices and environments, significantly speeding up the testing process.
  • Self-Healing Test Automation: Utilizes smart object recognition to dynamically update object selectors, minimizing maintenance and enhancing script resilience.

PROS

CONS

If you’re looking for a full-blown desktop automation tool that also supports API testing, has a recorder, can be run in parallel and integrates with MicroFocus ALM, Rally, or Jira, give the free version a try.

Not open-sourced

 


AirTest Automation Testing Session

AirTest 

AirTest is an open-source, cross-platform automated testing solution for mobile games and apps. Developed by NetEase, one of the largest gaming companies in China, AirTest supports platforms such as Windows, Android, iOS, Unity, and Cocos. It allows testers to automate interactions with games and apps through image recognition and visual testing, making it particularly useful for scenarios where traditional testing methods may be challenging, such as in games built with Flash. AirTest aims to make mobile game and app testing more accessible and efficient for testers and developers alike.

For even more street cred, it was developed in conjunction with Google. 

Key Features

  • Cross-Platform Support: Airtest supports testing on Windows, Android, and iOS platforms, enabling seamless automation across devices and operating systems.
  • Image Recognition Technology: Utilizes advanced image recognition to identify and interact with UI elements, making it ideal for applications with dynamic interfaces.
  • Fully Scalable: Airtest scripts can easily be executed on a large scale, including device farms, offering detailed HTML reports and screen recordings to quickly identify issues.
  • AirtestIDE: A comprehensive GUI tool that facilitates case creation and execution, supporting a complete automation workflow from creation to reporting.
  • Poco Framework Integration: Enhances automation capabilities by allowing direct access to UI elements across major platforms and game engines, enabling more complex automation tasks.
  • Scriptable with Python: Airtest allows writing scripts in Python, providing flexibility and the power of one of the most popular programming languages for test automation.
  • No Code Injection Required: Enables automation without modifying the application, ensuring that tests can run on production versions of the app or game.

PROS

CONS

Write Once, Run Anywhere: Airtest provides cross-platform APIs

Doesn’t seem to have worldwide adoption yet

 

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 7.8k stars on GitHub.

Appium Desktop

You might be thinking — Appium? Isn't that just for mobile automation testing?

While that is one of its primary uses, the main contributor and the father of the modern Appium we all know and love Jonathan Lipps, reminded me that Appium bundles WinAppDriver as well as Appium4Mac, which can be used to automate Mac desktop applications!

Excitingly, the Appium project has a vision of becoming the universal protocol for automating all kinds of apps, not just mobile. “Drivers” for Windows, Mac, and IoT apps are expanding what is possible.

Because of this I'd like to spend a little more time going over common questions asked around Appium native application testing.

What are the challenges associated with Appium in terms of setup and configuration?

The challenges associated with Appium in terms of setup and configuration include limited support for certain native mobile features like GPS, camera, and battery status. Furthermore, its setup and configuration processes may be complex, especially for beginners, which can pose difficulties for users who are new to the framework.

What testing frameworks does Appium support?

Appium supports various testing frameworks, including TestNG, JUnit, and Mocha. By accommodating these popular testing frameworks, Appium enables users to harness their preferred tools effectively to enhance test automation.

In which programming languages can users write tests in Appium?

Users can write tests in Appium using a range of programming languages, including but not limited to Java, Ruby, Python, and JavaScript. The flexibility provided by Appium allows testers to choose a language that best suits their skill set and project requirements. This versatility in language selection enables seamless integration with various development environments, offering developers the freedom to work in their preferred programming language while leveraging the capabilities of Appium for mobile app testing.

Which platforms does Appium support for testing?

Appium provides the capability to conduct testing on both iOS and Android platforms, offering robust support for ensuring cross-platform compatibility in mobile applications. 

PROS

CONS

Most testers are already familiar with Appium

Some functionality relies on WinAppDriver, and as I mentioned earlier, this project is currently on hold by Microsoft.

 

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 17.8k stars on GitHub.

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Robot Framework

Testing Automation - learn robot framework in 5 minutes

Robot Framework offers a comprehensive test automation solution designed to improve efficiency and accuracy in software testing and RPA tasks. Its keyword-driven approach simplifies the creation of test cases, making it an ideal choice for both technical and non-technical users. With support from the Robot Framework Foundation and an active community, it provides a robust platform for developing and executing test cases across various applications and environments. Whether you're automating web applications, desktop software, or mobile apps, Robot Framework's extensible architecture ensures a seamless integration with your development workflow, significantly reducing the time and effort required for testing.

It can be used to test not only web applications but also has plugins for automating:

  • Confluent Kafka,
  • library for testing JavaFX applications
  • IBM Mainframe 3270,
  • SSH
  • REST
  • SOAP
  • Java FX applications
  • Java Web Start applications
  • Library for testing the SAPGUI client
  • MQTT library for testing Java applications with Swing GUI
  • Library for automating Windows GUI.

Listen in to my interview with the creator of the RobotFramework Pekka Klarck.

Key Features

  • Keyword-Driven Testing: Simplifies writing test cases with easy-to-understand syntax, making tests readable and maintainable.
  • Extensible with Libraries: Enhance testing capabilities with additional libraries written in Python, Java, and other programming languages.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Executes tests on different operating systems and devices, offering a versatile solution for automated testing.
  • Rich Ecosystem: Benefits from a vast collection of external libraries and tools developed by the community, covering a wide range of testing needs.
  • Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with other software development tools, supporting continuous integration and DevOps practices.
  • Open and Free: Available for free use without licensing costs, supported by the non-profit Robot Framework Foundation.
  • Active Community Support: An engaged and helpful community provides support, shares knowledge, and contributes to the framework's development.

PROS

CONS

1. Easy to install and learn

2. Supports lots of different technologies

3. Has a very active community

1. Some users complaining about refactoring and debugging capabilities since it’s doesn't support popular IDEs

 

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 8.9k stars on GitHub.

Karate

Karate has come a long way since I first reviewed it as an API testing tool back in 2017.

It is an innovative open-source tool designed to simplify the complexity of test automation.

Its unique framework unifies API test automation, mock servers, performance testing, and even UI automation into a single, cohesive system. The language-neutral syntax of Karate makes it accessible for non-programmers, offering built-in assertions and HTML reports, and supporting parallel test execution for efficiency.

This tool eliminates the need for compiling code, enabling users to write tests in a simple, readable syntax that is ideal for HTTP, JSON, GraphQL, and XML.

Additionally, Karate allows for a seamless mixture of API and UI test automation within the same test script, offering a Java API for those preferring programmatic integration.

With features like cross-platform stand-alone executables for teams not comfortable with Java, Karate emphasizes simplicity in test automation, making it a standout choice for developers and testers seeking a comprehensive testing solution.

Besides all this it can also handle desktop automation testing as well!

The creator of Karate Peter Thomas, pointed me to the Karate Robot Windows install guide that unlocks this feature. Once installed and configured, you will be able to automate Windows-based applications.

You can also check our free Karate courses Hands-On Guide to API Testing with Karate and API Testing And API Performance Testing.

Key Features

  • Unified Testing Framework: Combines API, UI, performance testing, and service virtualization in one framework, reducing the complexity and learning curve associated with using multiple testing tools.
  • Language-Neutral Syntax: Designed to be easily understandable, allowing test scenarios to be written in a simple, human-readable form that even non-programmers can master.
  • No-Code Approach: Enables writing tests without the need to compile code or dive deep into programming, making it ideal for quick test development and execution.
  • Built-In Assertions and Reports: Comes with powerful assertion capabilities and generates detailed HTML reports out of the box, simplifying test validation and troubleshooting.
  • Parallel Execution: Supports running tests in parallel, significantly reducing execution time and speeding up the feedback loop for continuous integration environments.
  • Cross-Platform Stand-Alone Executable: Offers a stand-alone executable that runs on multiple platforms, catering to teams with varying levels of comfort with programming languages, particularly Java.
  • Extensible with Java API: For teams preferring programmatic access, Karate provides a Java API, allowing for the integration of Karate's capabilities into custom test suites.
  • Rich Ecosystem: Supported by an active community, Karate benefits from a wealth of additional tools, libraries, and resources developed around its core framework.

There is no visible image related to Load Testing Tools to describe; the provided content is a solid black rectangle.It currently has over 7.8k stars on GitHub.

nutjs

nut.js is an open-source, cross-platform desktop automation framework for Node.js that allows you to automate keyboard and mouse interactions, perform image-based testing using screenshot comparisons, and even do optical character recognition (OCR) to validate text displayed on the screen, making it a versatile tool for automating tests of desktop applications on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

It’s fully prebuilt and works across Windows, Linux, and macOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon).

It allows you to control your mouse, keyboard, and clipboard using JavaScript/TypeScript and comes with a plugin system that allows you to perform on-screen image and/or text searches.  There’s also an add-on to easily run OCR on your screen.

Listen to my interview with Simon Hofmann creator of this Node.js Desktop Automation Testing Framework .

Key Features

  • Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a unified approach to desktop automation.
  • Mouse and Keyboard Automation: Provides extensive control over mouse movements, clicks, and keyboard interactions, including direct or relative movements and adjustable speed.
  • Screen Recognition: Features on-screen image and text recognition, enabling complex automation scenarios like GUI testing.
  • Clipboard Access: Allows for reading from and writing to the system clipboard, facilitating data transfer and manipulation tasks.
  • Extensible Plugin System: Supports a wide range of plugins for enhanced functionalities, with the ability to develop and distribute custom plugins.
  • Jest Integration: Enables integration with the Jest testing framework, streamlining the development of automated tests.
  • Pre-built for Major OS: Comes fully pre-built for Windows, Linux, and macOS, simplifying integration into existing projects without the hassle of compilers or build processes.

Did I miss your favorite Desktop Automation Tool?

Those are my top automation testing tools for desktop applications. Let me know if I missed your favorite one.

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