Namemapping and Python support

[Jcolonio]

I am interested in using TestLeft, however, I am sceptical about TestLeft being a good replacement for my companies legacy TestComplete project. Most of our QEs have experience coding with Python but hate the script coding style of Testcomplete. They prefer to use an OOP design pattern but Testcomplete makes it difficult without intellisense.

TestLeft would allow us to use VS 2019, but we are not certain if it supports Python. Also, we hope to keep the namemapping feature as it has made quick work of automating our legacy desktop applications.

Does TestLeft bring the namemapping feature to Visual Studio? And does it support Python as the coding language? 

[AlexKaras]

Hi,

> does it support Python

No, just .Net and Java (https://support.smartbear.com/testleft/docs/general-info/net-java.html).

> Does TestLeft bring the namemapping feature to Visual Studio?

No, not as a copy of it from TestComplete. Object Spy exists as UI Spy and Models are provided instead of NameMapping. https://support.smartbear.com/testleft/docs/using/creating-tests/mapping-test-objects.html While Models might be more convenient approach for developers, it is my opinion that they are less illustrative for regular test automation guys and those who prefer Keyword Tests in TestComplete.

TestLeft provides several sample projects with Models of different complexity so you may take a look at them and make your own opinion.

[Jcolonio]

Thanks for the info Alex!

I've been looking at TestLeft as a replacement for Testcomplete.

[AlexKaras]

Hi,

My personal opinion is that TestLeft is not a replacement but complimentary product. Whether or not it can replace TestComplete depends on your requirements for tests and experience of those who create tests.

[Jcolonio]

I see TestLeft more of an alternative to Testcomplete. It is geared towards those with a preference for oop structures.

Do you know if SmartBear plans to add Python as a support language for TestLeft? Most of my QEs have experience with Python, however, they prefer an oop instead of scripting with TestComplete. Using a framework like TestLeft with Visual Studio and Python would increase it's usage among my team.

[AlexKaras]

Hi,

> Do you know if SmartBear plans to add Python as a support language for TestLeft?

I am not employed by SmartBear thus can say nothing about this. Create Support ticket via the https://support.smartbear.com/testleft/message/ form to get an official reply.

> they prefer an oop instead of scripting with TestComplete.

Note, that TestComplete is a full fledged environment that provides you with test log, Execution plan, data exchange means (Project and Project Suite variables), a lot of Extensions and a bunch of other handy things.

TestLeft is rather a framework / library that provides you only with test log (which is great as with unit test frameworks you don't have test log out of the box) and the engine that makes it possible to search for objects within the tested application and perform actions against found ones. Implementation of all other infrastructure is your responsibility.

Personally I prefer infrastructure over OOP.

Decision is yours 🙂

P.S. As you know, TestComplete supports Python. It is just its editor that does not work well with the code created using OOP. But Python code created according to OOP principles executes equally well in TestComplete as the code created according to procedural approach.