FlaUI vs. TestComplete

Attribute	FlaUI	TestComplete
Supported Platforms	Windows	Windows, Web, Mobile
Programming Language	C#	Various (e.g. VBScript, JavaScript)
License	MIT License	Commercial
Object Recognition	UIA (UI Automation)	Various (e.g. NameMapping, AI-based)
Integration with CI/CD	Yes	Yes

Introduction

When it comes to automated testing tools, there are many options available in the market. Two popular choices are FlaUI and TestComplete. Both tools have their own set of features and capabilities that make them suitable for different testing scenarios. In this article, we will compare the attributes of FlaUI and TestComplete to help you make an informed decision on which tool to use for your testing needs.

Usability

FlaUI is an open-source UI automation library that is primarily used for testing Windows applications. It provides a simple and easy-to-use API that allows testers to interact with UI elements on Windows applications. TestComplete, on the other hand, is a commercial testing tool that offers a more comprehensive set of features for testing various types of applications, including web, mobile, and desktop applications. While TestComplete may have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set, it provides a more user-friendly interface for creating and managing test scripts.

Supported Platforms

FlaUI is specifically designed for testing Windows applications and does not support testing on other platforms such as web or mobile applications. TestComplete, on the other hand, supports testing on a wide range of platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop applications. This makes TestComplete a more versatile tool for organizations that need to test applications across different platforms. However, if your testing needs are limited to Windows applications, FlaUI may be a more lightweight and efficient option.

Scripting Capabilities

FlaUI uses C# as its primary scripting language, which may be familiar to developers who are already working with .NET technologies. This makes it easy to integrate FlaUI into existing development workflows and leverage existing C# libraries for testing purposes. TestComplete, on the other hand, uses its own proprietary scripting language called JavaScript-based script language (JScript). While this may require testers to learn a new scripting language, TestComplete provides a more robust set of built-in functions and features for creating complex test scripts.

Object Recognition

FlaUI uses a unique approach to object recognition called UIA (UI Automation) that allows testers to interact with UI elements based on their properties and attributes. This makes it easier to create reliable and maintainable test scripts that can adapt to changes in the UI layout. TestComplete, on the other hand, uses a more traditional approach to object recognition based on screen coordinates and image recognition. While this may be sufficient for simple UI testing scenarios, it may not be as robust as FlaUI's UIA-based approach for complex UI interactions.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

FlaUI can be integrated with popular CI/CD tools such as Jenkins and Azure DevOps to automate the execution of test scripts as part of the software development process. This allows testers to run tests automatically whenever a new build is deployed, ensuring that any regressions are caught early in the development cycle. TestComplete also offers integration with CI/CD pipelines through plugins and APIs, making it easy to incorporate automated testing into the software delivery pipeline. Both tools provide options for running tests in parallel and generating detailed test reports for analysis.

Community Support

FlaUI is an open-source project that is maintained by a community of developers and testers who contribute to its development and provide support through forums and documentation. While FlaUI may not have the same level of commercial support as TestComplete, it benefits from the collective knowledge and expertise of its community members. TestComplete, on the other hand, is a commercial tool that offers dedicated technical support and training resources for its users. This can be valuable for organizations that require timely assistance and guidance for using the tool effectively.

Pricing

FlaUI is a free and open-source tool that can be downloaded and used without any licensing fees. This makes it an attractive option for organizations with limited budgets or small testing teams. TestComplete, on the other hand, is a commercial tool that offers different pricing plans based on the number of users and features required. While TestComplete may have a higher upfront cost, it provides a more comprehensive set of features and support options that may be worth the investment for larger organizations with complex testing requirements.