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						</div><p>If you already are busy with high priority tasks like regression testing, you can be left wondering if it is a good use of time as sometimes, you have to read existing code for automated tests to figure out what is it they are supposed to achieve.</p>
<p>Common causes of confusion are:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>The names of methods, functions, and classes do not follow a clear naming convention and are not very informative about their purposes.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>There is little or no documentation in the form of documentation strings (docstrings) or comments that could provide definitions for functions and classes.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Documenting Your Code Matters</h3>
<p>We&#8217;ve all been there – you inherit a test automation suite, and it feels like you&#8217;re deciphering an ancient manuscript. Without proper documentation, understanding the purpose of each test case or the rationale behind a particular design choice can be akin to solving a complex puzzle.</p>
<p>Documentation isn&#8217;t just a box to tick; it&#8217;s the key to maintaining, scaling, and collaborating on our automation projects effectively. So, let&#8217;s explore a few ways we can make our code speak volumes.</p>
<h3>1. <strong>Clear and Concise Comments</strong></h3>
<p>Think of comments as post-it notes for your code. When you&#8217;re knee-deep in scripts, a well-placed comment can be a lifesaver. Describe the purpose of a function, the expected inputs, and any important considerations. Trust me; your future self will thank you.</p>
<pre><code class="language-rust">// Function to log in to the application
fn login(username: &amp;str, password: &amp;str) {
    // Entering username
    enter_text(&quot;username_field&quot;, username);

    // Entering password
    enter_text(&quot;password_field&quot;, password);

    // Clicking the login button
    click_button(&quot;login_button&quot;);
}</code></pre>
<h3>2. <strong>Documenting Test Cases Like a Story</strong></h3>
<p>Tests should read like a story, not a technical manual. Break down the steps in a logical order and use comments to provide context for each action.</p>
<pre><code class="language-rust">#[test]
fn verify_successful_login() {
    // Step 1: Navigate to the login page
    navigate_to_login_page();

    // Step 2: Enter valid credentials
    enter_credentials(&quot;username&quot;, &quot;password&quot;);

    // Step 3: Click the login button
    click_login_button();

    // Step 4: Verify successful login
    assert_element_visible(&quot;dashboard&quot;);
}</code></pre>
<h3>3. <strong>Inline Documentation for Complex Logic</strong></h3>
<p>When dealing with intricate logic, take the time to explain your thought process. A few extra lines of comments can save hours of head-scratching down the line.</p>
<pre><code class="language-rust">// Applying a custom wait to handle dynamic elements
async fn custom_wait(element_locator: &amp;str) {
    // Explanation of the wait strategy
    wait_until_element_visible(element_locator, TIMEOUT).await;
}</code></pre>
<h3>4. <strong>Update Documentation Alongside Code Changes</strong></h3>
<p>As we add features or refactor code, documentation should evolve with it. Nothing is more confusing than outdated comments. Treat documentation as a living, breathing part of your project.</p>
<h3>In Conclusion</h3>
<p>Investing time in meaningful code documentation isn&#8217;t just a nicety; it&#8217;s a necessity. It&#8217;s the bridge that connects developers, making collaboration smoother and onboarding faster. So, the next time you&#8217;re tempted to skip the comments or rush through documenting your test cases, remember that you&#8217;re not just writing for today – you&#8217;re writing for the future success of your project and your team.</p>
<h2>For Extra Reading</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p><a href="https://medium.com/wix-engineering/naming-convention-8-basic-rules-for-any-piece-of-code-c4c5f65b0c09">Naming Convention — 9 Basic Rules for any Piece of Code | by Ran Greenberg | Wix Engineering | Medium</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://infinum.com/handbook/qa/automation/general/naming-convention#:~:text=Why%20follow%20a%20naming%20convention,everyone%20follows%20the%20same%20style">Quality Assurance Handbook | Automation / General / Naming convention (infinum.com)</a></p>
</li>
</ol>

         

                    

                    
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Dignify Your Test Automation With Concise Code Documentation