Introduction to Robot Framework, Test Automation and RPA Tool

What is Robot Framework

Robot Framework is a test automation framework. Robot Framework is a keyword-driven automation framework. It is written in Python but you can use it without knowing the language. Robot Framework is also known as RF.

Keywords in Robot Framework

To create automation scripts using Robot Framework, we utilize certain predefined keywords.

Some examples of keywords are

• Click Button
• Wait Until Element is Visible
• And
• Input Text

All of these keywords take parameters that are used to control their behavior.

For example, the keyword Click Button and the keyword Wait Until Element is Visible of Selenium Library allow us to supply the information about the button we want to click and the element we want to wait for. 

The Input text keyword lets us specify two things:

1. where we want to input text

2. what text do we want to input.

Many keyword libraries for Robot Framework are available. You can test almost any system using Robot Framework libraries. 

The numerous versatile libraries are the real superpower of Robot Framework. It is possible to create complete test automation and quality assurance solutions with Robot Framework. 

Advantages of Robot Framework

Robot Framework is Python-based, but unlike many other automation tools, you don’t need to take a programming course before you start to learn Robot Framework.

The requirement to learn a programming language such as Python, Java, or C# is the first barrier of entry for many QA professionals who want to learn test automation. Python Framework liberates you from this prerequisite.

We can use multiple IDEs to write Robot Framework tests. 

For example, IntelliJ PyCharm IDE, Microsoft Visual Studio Code IDE, and the open-source Robot IDE or RIDE. 

On an interesting side note, Robot Framework can also be used in a Java-based ecosystem through Jython and in .Net through IronPython.

Robot Framework can also be used for Robotic Process Automation(RPA). 

Where You Shouldn't Use Robot Framework

Robot Framework is not a record and playback-based test automation tool. It is more like  Lego for test automation. Many ready-made pieces are available for you to combine and make your own masterpiece.

The first version of Robot Framework was launched in 2005. Robot Framework has very strong community support. The Slack channel RobotFramework is very active.

Robot Framework version 7.1.1, which was released on October 19, 2024..

A lot of libraries are available to be used with Robot Framework.

Popular Robot Framework Libraries

A list of popular robot framework libraries is given below:

• Selenium Library
• Appium Library
• Request
• Soap Library
• Database Library
• Browser Library
• Archive Library

Robot Framework is an easy-to-use, versatile, and extensive tool. It has survived the test of time and it is here to stay.

Let us proceed toward installing the tools needed to start using Robot Framework. 

All articles in the Robot Framework Series

1. Introduction to Robot Framework, Test Automation, and RPA Tool
2. Installing RobotFramework, RobotFrameworkSelenium, Python on your PC & updating Pip
3. Robot Framework with VS Code and RF Language Server
4. The role of browser driver in test automation and downloading Google ChromeDriver to use with Selenium and Robot Framework