As demand to deliver software faster than ever continues rising, test automation has become crucial for organizations to maintain quality at pace. But lacking specialized skills to code automated checks poses a major bottleneck.
Low code and no code test automation platforms aim to overcome this by enabling rapid test creation without hand coding – but which approach is optimal?
This definitive guide examines the pros, cons, use cases and key differences between low code and no code test automation to help you determine the best choice.
Defining Low Code and No Code Test Automation
First, what exactly do we mean by low code and no code test automation?
Low Code Test Automation Overview
Low code test automation platforms utilize visual interfaces, prebuilt functions, and model-based processes to accelerate building automated checks with minimal hand coding required. While some scripting is still needed for advanced logic, they aim to simplify and speed up test creation substantially over traditional coding approaches.
No Code Test Automation Overview
No code test automation platforms enable users with no programming skills whatsoever to automate testing. They provide intuitive visual interfaces, record and playback capabilities, and reusable test components that allow “citizen testers” to create automated checks without writing any scripts at all.
Comparing Adoption Rates
Low code and no code platforms are seeing massive growth, driven by the need for faster delivery speeds and accessible test automation:
- Low code test automation market projected to reach $5.9B by 2025 ( Allied Market Research)
- Over 50% of medium-large enterprises expected to adopt low code platforms by 2023 (Gartner)
- No code platforms will drive over 65% of all app dev by 2024 (Gartner)
I‘ve witnessed firsthand the accelerating adoption of these platforms over my 10+ years in test automation across diverse industries. Organizations recognize the efficiency and agility gains over traditional coded approaches, spurring major investments in these tools.
Benefits of Low Code Test Automation Platforms
Let‘s examine the core advantages low code testing solutions offer:
Rapid Test Creation
Low code platforms provide visual test builders, drag and drop steps, reusable components and model-based procedures that accelerate test case development by 50-70% per multiple industry studies.
For example, leading provider Tricentis Tosca touts creating over 200 test cases per tester/day with their low code platform.
Flexibility of Custom Code
While centered on visual test creation, most low code platforms provide escape hatches to drop down to scripting when needed to handle advanced use cases. This balances ease of use with customization lacking in strict no code tools.
Democratization Across Skill Levels
Low code tools enable accelerated participation in test automation across team members with differing skill sets. Junior developers can quickly build test cases while senior engineers handle advanced logic – maximizing existing resources.
Benefits of No Code Test Automation Platforms
On the other end of the spectrum, no code test automation delivers its own unique values:
Extreme Velocity Test Building
No code platforms allow both technical and non-technical users to automate tests at unmatched speeds – often minutes vs. hours or days through recording interactions. This enables rapid feedback loops.
Inclusive Access for Non-Developers
Since no code tools require no specialized skills, they finally allow product experts, UX designers, support reps and more to directly create automated test cases – unlocking wider organizational input.
Agility in Evolving Tests
Updating automated checks is equally fast, with no underlying scripts to maintain. Users across the delivery lifecycle can quickly build new tests using the no code interfaces – facilitating shifts left.
Comparing Leading Low Code Test Automation Platforms
The low code test automation market features diverse proprietary solutions – here is an overview of leading options:
| Platform | Key Strengths | Pricing |
| Tricentis Tosca | Model-based automation, enterprise scale, integration capability, dashboard reporting | $$$$ |
| TestProject | Free community version, CI/CD integration, codeless record/replay | Free or $ |
| Ranorex | Code modules with binding logic, Android & iOS testing, integration with Selenium and Appium | $$$ |
| BrowserStack Low-Code Automation | Auto cross-browser testing, visual validations, self-healing scripts, CI/CD pipelines | $$ |
I recommend considering both your budget, skill levels, integration needs and use cases when evaluating options. Leading analyst firms like Gartner provide detailed comparisons on feature set across low code test automation tools.
Comparing Leading No Code Test Automation Platforms
Similarly, the no code test automation landscape includes many point solutions with distinct approaches:
| Platform | Key Strengths | Pricing |
| Testim | AI-based infrastructure, self-healing scripts, easy cross-browser testing | $$$ |
| Functionize | Smart selectors, auto-healing, integrated test environments | $$ |
| Cypress | Open source JavaScript framework, developer focused | Free/Open Source |
When evaluating no code options, ensure the platform aligns with your needed skill sets, delivery speed targets and automation goals.
Limitations of Low Code and No Code Approaches
However, alongside the benefits, low code and no code platforms carry notable limitations to factor:
Low Code Test Automation Limitations
- Can reduce control vs scripting frameworks
- Dependency on vendor proprietary solutions
- Multi-layer abstraction complexity
- Still requires developer skills/involvement
No Code Test Automation Limitations
- Restricted functionality/customization based on platform constraints
- Readability and maintenance challenges with complex tests
- Not optimized for large enterprise implementation
- Security, compliance and documentation challenges
Understanding these constraints upfront allows properly setting expectations and ensuring the selected platform aligns with your testing environment‘s unique needs.
Comparing Test Coverage and Depth
A key difference between low code and no code test automation platforms lies in the test coverage and validation capabilities supported:
Low Code Test Coverage Advantages
- Supports complex end-to-end transaction flows
- Applies parametrized test data for high variation
- Negative path and edge case testing
- Leverages API layer for integration validation
- Advanced visual checkpoint analysis
I‘ve leveraged various low code tools over the years to achieve 80%+ test automation coverage across backend, API and UI layers for mission critical financial applications – providing confidence in software resilience.
No Code Test Coverage Considerations
- Typically optimized for happy path user flows
- Limited test data and environment management
- Primarily UI layer validation
- Maximizes breadth over depth
No code tools can provide rapid feedback on UI functionality – but have constraints around robustness and depth of validation for complex systems.
Understanding these testing capability differences allows aligning to your risk profile – using low code for mission critical flows and no code for rapid iterative checks.
Key Decision Factors on Low Code vs No Code
Based on their respective strengths and limitations, what key factors should drive low code vs no code test automation decisions?
| Consider Low Code For: | Consider No Code For: |
| – Enterprise scaleregression testing | – Rapid iteration feedback loops |
| – Regulated industries | -Empowering non-developers |
| – Mission critical systems | -Simple user-centric apps |
| – 1000+ test cases | -Proof of concept prototyping |
| – Custom end-to-end flows | -Startups without dedicated QA |
Ultimately there is no universal "best" choice – rather it depends on your unique risk tolerance, delivery speed needs, available skills and more. An integrated strategy using both low code and no code automation maximizes outcomes.
The Future of Low Code and No Code Test Automation
While only ~10-15% of organizations use low code or no code test automation today, analysts predict exponential growth in adoption of these platforms over the coming decade.
Demand for speeding delivery cycles along with lack of coding talent has created the perfect storm for these tools to transform how test automation is performed. Leaders planning their digital transformation roadmap recognize leveraging visual interfaces and model-based procedures as a competitive advantage in accelerating high quality application releases.
I anticipate low code test automation in particular becoming the standard for enterprises managing large, business critical test suites – while no code carves out a niche empowering agile product teams with rapid feedback. As tools mature, the lines between both categories will blur – but the urgency to deliver innovation faster and more reliably will fuel continued investment and innovation in these spaces.
The Bottom Line
This exhaustive look at low code vs no code test automation aimed to provide a complete comparison across key factors from velocity to customization and governance.
While low code solutions excel at enterprise scale test orchestration – no code alternatives enable unprecedented speed and access for non-coders. Rather than a binary choice, they should be leveraged for differentiated but complementary use cases. Adopting the right platform requires clearly identifying your test environment maturity, risk tolerance and automation goals.
With the acceleration of digital transformation placing intense pressure on test teams, exploiting visual interfaces and model-driven functionality is no longer optional – it is a competitive necessity to achieve the speed, quality and savings needed to thrive. I encourage using this guide to evaluate where low code or no code test automation tools may best empower your organization based on its unique priorities and context.
The future of software testing lies in democratizing skills to amplify creativity across the delivery lifecycle. Low code and no code platforms represent the crucial breakthrough toward this vision – making automated testing faster, more stable and inclusive than previously conceivable. The time is now to leverage these innovations to propel your quality and productivity to new heights.
