When To Use Katalon TestCloud, Katalon Runtime Engine, Or Both For Optimal Test Automation

Understanding when to leverage Katalon TestCloud and Katalon Runtime Engine (KRE) is essential to optimize your test automation strategy. Each tool serves a distinct purpose, from enabling scalable cloud-based test execution to ensuring robust performance in various environments. This guide will help you navigate their unique capabilities, empowering you to make informed decisions that maximize efficiency and effectiveness in your test automation.

What is Katalon TestCloud?

Katalon TestCloud is a managed, cloud-based test execution solution that allows teams to run automated test scripts across multiple browsers and operating systems. It supports testing in desktop and real mobile environments, enabling simultaneous execution and ensuring comprehensive coverage. This eliminates the need for physical testing resources or complex third-party configurations, significantly reducing maintenance efforts, which translates to savings in money and man-hours. 

TestCloud addresses scalability and cross-platform testing challenges while allowing seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. It is particularly beneficial for teams aiming to eliminate unnecessary running costs and minimize time-to-release, all while ensuring compatibility across diverse environments.

What is Katalon Runtime Engine?

Katalon Runtime Engine (KRE) is a command-line interface (CLI) for Katalon Studio, designed for executing automation tests across various environments. KRE is crucial for scenarios requiring CI/CD system integration, enhanced security features, and a high degree of user control, making it ideal for environments where these factors are critical. It supports extensive testing on real devices and emulators, making it a powerful tool for teams engaged in continuous testing.

When to Use TestCloud?

TestCloud is ideal in scenarios that require:

• Scalability: TestCloud efficiently scales your test execution efforts according to your needs, being able to run 100+ executions in parallel.
• No setup and maintenance: TestCloud eliminates the need for complex infrastructure setup and ongoing maintenance.
  
  
   
• Cross-browser and cross-platform testing: Ensures compatibility across multiple browsers and operating systems, including the latest versions of popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari on both desktop and mobile.
• Seamless CI/CD integration: Integrates effortlessly with your CI/CD pipeline, facilitating automated testing that keeps pace with your development cycles.
• Record and playback support: Allows you to record and run mobile app tests on real, cloud-based devices without any setup.

• iOS app testing from Windows/Linux: TestCloud enables iOS apps to be tested from a Windows or Linux machine by providing real iOS devices in Katalon Studio.
• Real user condition testing: Test on real devices to simulate user conditions such as biometric authentication, geolocation, network throttling, and more.
• App repository in Katalon TestOps: Save mobile applications in the TestOps app repository for easier version testing and scheduling of native mobile applications.
• Unified testing with TestCloud tunnel integration: Perform UI and API testing on private or local sites using the TestCloud tunnel, combining both testing types in a single process.

When to Use Katalon Runtime Engine?

KRE is ideal in scenarios that require:

• Local device testing: If your project requires testing on particular devices or configurations, KRE supports thorough testing on real devices and emulators.
• Existing infrastructure integration: For teams with established testing environments, KRE allows seamless integration with existing infrastructure while enabling cloud execution capabilities.
• Security compliance: If strict data processing or networking requirements exist, KRE allows users to restrict all execution activities within their infrastructure.
• Customization & control: KRE allows for flexible and easy changes in the configuration of executions as well as running alongside other tools/services that your infrastructure requires
• Leveraging existing infrastructure: You can leverage your infrastructure for KRE, with the benefits of better performance on higher-end machines.

Learn more about Katalon Runtime Engine

When to use both TestCloud and KRE?

A hybrid approach utilizing both TestCloud and KRE can offer the best of both worlds:

• Comprehensive testing coverage: Achieve broad device and environment coverage, ensuring optimal application performance across all scenarios.
• Integrated testing suite: Combine both platforms to create a more integrated suite of testing tools for web, mobile, and API testing, enhancing your overall strategy.
• Multifaceted testing needs: Use KRE for a stable testing environment and TestCloud for greater testing demands, such as increased testing before major product updates, launches, or events like shopping holidays.
• Redundancy best practice: With both KRE and TestCloud, you diversify your testing infrastructure and eliminate single points of failure, guaranteeing uptime in any condition.

Comparison Table

Integration Capabilities

KRE and TestCloud offer robust integration capabilities with popular CI/CD tools, allowing teams to automate their testing processes effectively. KRE supports CLI mode execution for various scenarios, including scheduling tests, integrating with CI/CD systems, or bundling tests for execution in virtual containers like Docker. TestCloud can also be triggered from popular CI/CD pipelines while natively integrating with Katalon TestOps for scheduling and analysis, and Katalon Studio for recording and running tests.

Security Compliance Considerations

Security compliance is paramount when using TestCloud or KRE. TestCloud adheres to industry data protection and privacy standards (SOC 2 Type II), safeguarding sensitive information during testing. For local environments managed through KRE, self-management of security settings allows organizations to maintain control over their data while ensuring compliance. TestCloud and KRE are designed to ensure the highest level of security and data protection, whether in the cloud or on premises.
 

Learn more about Katalon Security

Wrapping Up 

Katalon TestCloud and Katalon Runtime Engine offer powerful capabilities tailored to different testing needs. TestCloud is ideal for scalable, cloud-based testing with minimal setup. At the same time, KRE is suited for specific device testing through command-line execution, offering greater control and seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. By understanding the strengths of each tool, you can optimize your testing processes and ensure the highest quality for your software products.

Are you ready to elevate your testing strategy? Explore how Katalon’s solutions can help streamline your test automation efforts and deliver exceptional software experiences. Whether you choose TestCloud, KRE, or both, Katalon supports your journey toward quality assurance excellence.

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