Difference between Keyword Driven and Data Driven Testing
By Sandra Felice, Community Contributor - November 26, 2024
Keyword-driven testing and data-driven testing are two very popular approaches to automated testing. Both aim to validate the functionality of software applications.
While they share some similarities, keyword-driven testing relies on predefined action keywords for test execution, whereas data-driven testing focuses on using varied input datasets to cover multiple scenarios.
Table of Contents
What is Keyword-Driven Testing?
Keyword-driven testing is an automation framework in which tests are created based on keywords or predefined actions.
This approach uses predefined keywords that represent test actions (e.g., “click,” “verify,” etc.) mapped to scripts or functions. It emphasizes reusability and simplifies testing for teams with minimal coding skills.
What is Data-Driven Testing?
Data-driven testing focuses on testing an application’s functionality by executing the same set of actions multiple times with different datasets, usually stored in external sources such as Excel sheets, CSV files, or databases.
It’s ideal for scenarios requiring extensive input variations to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Difference Between Keyword-Driven and Data-Driven Testing
Below are some key differences between keyword-driven and data-driven testing:
| Parameters | Keyword-Driven Testing | Data-Driven Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Actions or operations in the test | Input data and test coverage |
| Data Management | Data is minimal and primarily action-driven | Relies heavily on external datasets |
| Execution Process | Test is executed by following the steps in the table | Test is executed by reading the data from the file & performing the specified actions |
| Perspective | From the perspective of the user or the system | From the perspective of the system |
| Reusability | Keywords can be reused across multiple tests | Test logic is static, but datasets are reusable |
| Best Use Case | Best for modular & reusable testing | Ideal for validating multiple input conditions |
Conclusion
Keyword-driven and data-driven testing are valuable approaches for automating software testing. They enable fast, repeatable execution with minimal manual effort.
While Keyword-driven testing emphasizes defining test actions, data-driven testing focuses on test data and expected results. Both methods require upfront preparation and can validate functionality from either a user or system perspective, making them versatile tools for comprehensive testing.
Every testing is incomplete until those tests are executed on multiple browsers and platform combinations.
BrowserStack offers a real device cloud with 3500+ browsers, devices, and OS combinations, where you can run your tests under real user conditions. This improves overall test accuracy by highlighting the bottlenecks in the user experience.
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