Test automation is used to automate test execution, compare outcomes to expected results, and reduce costs and risks of changes. Some tests like repetitive tasks can be automated, as well as tests that are difficult to do manually. Tools like TestStack, SpecFlow, CodeUI, and QTP can automate different types of tests, from unit and component tests to validating the final product and testing user interfaces. These tools automate testing across platforms like .NET, Silverlight, and Java applications.

1. Test automation is used to automate, control test execution and capture its outcome to compare it
with expected results as defined by the business. Some tests can be automated for repetitive tasks.
Certain testing that would be difficult to do manually can also be automated. Test automation is
important for continuous delivery as it reduce the cost, time, and risk of changes being delivered to
a system.
Some of the tools that can be used for test automation are ‐ TestStack, SpecFlow, CodeUI and QTP –
TestStack can be used for both unit tests and component tests that are written by developers under
BDD (behaviour driven development). These tests help in verifying the code developed. It can also
be used to validate the end product in test phase.
teststack.white is .NET based framework for tests automation that can be written in any .NET
language. It is an open‐source framework for Win32, WinForms, Silverlight and SWT (Java) platform
applications.
BDD (Behaviour Driven Development) follows the following process – Where to start in the process,
What to test and what not to test, How much to test in one go, What to call the tests and How to
understand why a test fails
SpecFlow a part of the Cucumber family and can provide integration to the .NET framework,
Silverlight, Windows Phone and Mono using the Gherkin parser.
CodeUI is used for testing the code through its UI to check if the UI controls are working as expected.
QTP also known as HP Unified Functional Testing tool is automation testing software designed for
testing software applications in different environments. It can be used to performs functional and
regression testing through a GUI or web interface. It can identify the objects in the application’s user
interface and perform desired operations. It can also capture object properties like name or handler
ID. QTP testing is usually used for user interface test case automation but it can also automate other
functions such as file system operations, database testing or web services testing.