Automated input tool to for QA testing? Play back keystrokes and mouse clicks

Question

Every time I test my program, I have to input a bunch of the same keystrokes and mouse clicks.

I am looking for a tool to automate this keyboard and mouse input. Similar to a macro recorder.

The tool needs to save the clicks and keystrokes I originally input.

When I want to QA my app, I will hit a keyboard shortcut and the mouse and keyboard inputs will be played back into the system again and again.

Is this a known type of QA testing? If so, what is it called? Who are the market leaders and are there any free versions available?

@Daniel: He's asking about a tool for software testing. I think SO is the right place for this, not SU. — RichieHindle, Jul 16 '09 at 00:02
The Not-Constructive Brigade strikes again! Another 20,000+ view great question is foolishly closed! — Theodore R. Smith, Oct 12 '14 at 16:05

score 14 · Accepted Answer · edited Jul 15 '09 at 23:59

14

I have found AutoIT to be great.

It is a very powerful tool, which does more than record just mouse clicks. Using scripting, you can work with the controls in the application.

edited Jul 15 '09 at 23:59

Sinan Ünür

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answered Jul 15 '09 at 23:58

Jon Onstott

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This is a nice tool. I compiled the macro and in my app's winform shown event handler, I placed code to run it. So now when my app runs, it runs the playback. This is a huge time saver. Very cool. Thanks. – Tony_Henrich Jul 16 '09 at 17:07
Great, I'm glad it's working for you. – Jon Onstott Jul 16 '09 at 17:17
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Hi @Jon. This application looks really nice, but I can't find the feature to record my mouse clicks/keystrokes and generate the script for me. It does have that feature right? Where can I find this? – wvdz Jun 04 '15 at 08:34
Does this allows some kind of notification or alert if a test fails (certain conditions not met)? – Gabriel Sep 29 '20 at 15:04

score 10 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 15 '09 at 23:57

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AutoHotkey is good for this. It's free, and can do lots of stuff from simple recording to complex macros.

answered Jul 15 '09 at 23:57

RichieHindle

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score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 15 '09 at 23:57

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http://www.macro-recorder.com/

This works very well for me. Even though it does cost some money to register, the demo version has full functionality with no constraints (as far as I know). It converts your mouse and keystrokes into editable text files which are really convenient.

answered Jul 15 '09 at 23:57

Robert McIntyre

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+1 for this, just tried out this and the other two above, this one was the easiest to get up and running. – newenglander Apr 13 '12 at 10:33
Macro-recorder wasn't able to completely record my actions on Windows 7. – joshuanapoli Apr 20 '13 at 23:49

Sinan Ünür · Answer 4 · 2015-11-07T13:07:52.490

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I have used Perl's Win32::GuiTest for some fun, and also for serious testing. It does not record key strokes.

edited Nov 07 '15 at 13:07

answered Jul 15 '09 at 23:58

Sinan Ünür

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Automated input tool to for QA testing? Play back keystrokes and mouse clicks

4 Answers4