Should You Keep Test Automation in a Separate Repository?

In the evolving landscape of software development, the question of where to place your test automation code is a critical one. The choice between maintaining a separate repository for test automation versus keeping it integrated with the product code can have significant implications for your development and testing processes. Here, we delve into both approaches, their advantages, and considerations to help you decide what might work best for your team.

The Case for a Separate Repository

1. Isolation of Concerns: Keeping test automation code separate from product code can prevent developers from being blocked by testing changes and allows testers to work independently. This can be beneficial in larger teams where the roles of developers and testers are distinctly defined.

2. Focused Development: A dedicated repository for test automation can streamline the workflow for QA teams. It allows them to manage and run tests without the complexities introduced by frequent changes in the main product codebase.

3. Scheduling and Resource Management: Tests that take longer to run, such as end-to-end or performance tests, can be scheduled and managed separately. This ensures that they do not impede the continuous integration pipeline's speed.

4. Flexibility in Technology Stack: In some scenarios, using a different language or framework for your test automation can be advantageous. A separate repository allows you to choose the best tools for testing without being constrained by the product's language or framework.

The Argument for Co-locating Test Automation with Product Code

1. Enhanced Collaboration: When test automation is located within the same repository as the product code, it encourages collaboration between developers and testers. This can lead to better integration of testing practices into the development workflow.

2. Immediate Feedback: Keeping tests close to the code they validate allows for immediate feedback on code changes. Developers can run tests before merging their code, increasing confidence in the stability of the application.

3. Reduced Duplication: Co-locating can minimize redundancy, as shared resources, such as enums and utility functions, can be easily accessed by both development and testing teams without having to maintain them in multiple places.

4. Simplified Maintenance: Managing a single repository can reduce overhead in terms of maintaining two codebases. This can lead to easier onboarding of new team members and streamline version control and deployment processes.

Finding the Right Balance

Ultimately, whether to separate your test automation into its own repository or keep it alongside your product code depends on several factors:

• Team Structure: Consider your team's size and how integrated your development and testing roles are.

• Project Complexity: Larger projects with multiple microservices may benefit from separating test automation to avoid merge conflicts.

• Development Workflow: Evaluate your CI/CD pipeline and how it might be impacted by either choice.

• Organizational Practices: Align your decision with broader organizational practices and goals regarding quality assurance and development efficiency.

In conclusion, both approaches have their merits and drawbacks. It is essential to assess your specific context and needs to determine the best path forward for your test automation strategy. Whether through separation or integration, the ultimate goal should always be to enhance the quality of your software and the efficiency of your development process.