UFT and LeanFT — Understanding the Differences for Strategic Implementation

LeanFT is an automated functional testing tool which has been developed as an improved version of UFT (Unified Functional Testing). It has not been developed as a replacement to UFT, rather it is an extension to UFT along with features from Selenium — an open source automated testing tool for web applications.

LeanFT and UFT are not mutually exclusive. UFT includes the LeanFT plugin for creation of tests in Visual Studio/C# or Eclipse/Java. One can leverage the knowledge of UFT when working with LeanFT. LeanFT is a powerful functional testing tool which has been developed specifically for agile and DevOps software development methods. It reduces the testing time of the application and helps in the early identification of defects and errors. It does not, however, provide web wervice testing or a record and playback feature.

Selecting the right automated testing tool differs with the type of project. Both of HP’s functional testing tools are different in essential ways which need to be understood before choosing an automated testing solution.

UFT supports a range of technology, including legacy apps, web, and mobile services. It is intended for users who do not deal with the complex methods, making it a relatively user-friendly option. Its general user base is the QA, Business Analysts, testers and subject matter experts. The LeanFT solution is more appropriate for Agile, DevOps and Continuous Testing teams. This tool set speeds up the flow of testing and facilitates regular maintenance. UFT helps conduct regression tests. The identification and labeling of elements across completed tests ensures high-speed and economic delivery of projects. If a tester is well skilled in UFT, using LeanFT will be easier as the object identification mechanisms and same. Many of the features of LeanFT are enhanced and improved ones of UFT.

The UFT scripts work seamlessly with the dynamic data. This data can either be entered manually into the parameter table or can be imported from an external source. Another advantage of UFT is that debugging is significantly easier, as the entire testing process can be viewed as a smooth animation with its record and playback feature. This feature is not yet available in LeanFT. However, LeanFT’s full integration with standard IDEs results in better collaboration within agile teams. Its templates for standard unit testing reduces the time required to test apps, and rectifies errors in the early stages of development. Also, LeanFT’s continuous, real time vulnerability testing further eliminates the need for special security measures.

Conclusion

UFT and LeanFT can be thought of as a two intersecting circles in a Venn Diagram. Both have common features and well as those which are unique to each other. They target different user groups as well. One fact that cannot be denied is that for the fluent use of LeanFT, practical knowledge of UFT is very leveraging. Hence, as per the testing requirements, the depth of software development model and the type of user at work, a perfect combination of UFT and LeanFT can be built up.