What are the primary causes of automation test failures?

The primary cause of automation test failures is often associated with changes in application functionality. When the underlying application undergoes modifications—such as new features, altered user interfaces, or bug fixes—the automated tests that were previously written may no longer align with the current functionality. This misalignment can lead to test failures, as the automation scripts are designed to execute specific paths or validate expected behaviors that may have been altered or removed.

Therefore, maintaining the automation suite requires regular updates to reflect the current state of the application. These updates can include script adjustments or the creation of new tests to accommodate the latest changes, ensuring continued validity and effectiveness of the test automation.

In contrast, while code optimization issues, insufficient test data, and low internet speed can impact testing, they are not the primary reasons for test failures due to functionality changes. Automation frameworks are usually designed to handle optimization discussions or data management, and while internet speed can affect test execution, it is often a transient issue not directly tied to the application's functional integrity.