Writing Clean Functions in Test Automation: The Key to Flexible and Maintainable Code

Cover Image For Writing Clean Code

Test automation is like baking a cake. A clean recipe ensures the cake turns out great every time, and anyone can follow it. Similarly, clean, well-written functions in test automation are the recipe for success. They make your tests more flexible, maintainable, and, honestly, less of a headache to debug.

Here’s how to keep your test functions squeaky clean:

1. Keep Functions Short and Focused

A function should do one thing and do it well. If your function is testing login, let it focus solely on that. If it starts navigating to the dashboard or filling user profiles, it’s time to split it.

💡 Think of it this way: If your function name needs an “and,” break it into two functions.

// Too much going on here!
public void testLoginAndNavigateToDashboard() {
    login();
    navigateToDashboard();
    verifyDashboard();
}
// Cleaner and more modular
public void testLogin() {
    login();
}public void testDashboardNavigation() {
    navigateToDashboard();
    verifyDashboard();
}

2. Use Descriptive Names

If a function’s name doesn’t tell you what it does, you’ll spend precious time trying to figure it out later (or…