7 reasons to switch to MacOS for test automation with Katalon Studio

7 reasons to switch to MacOS for test automation with Katalon Studio

7 redenen om over te schakelen naar MacOS voor testautomatisering met Katalon Studio

Why I switched from Windows to macOS for automating testing with Katalon Studio.

As a software tester, I have had the opportunity to work with Katalon Studio, a powerful low-code automation tool, on both Windows and MacOS. After using Katalon on Windows for a year and then switching to macOS, I have discovered several advantages that make using Katalon Studio on macOS more appealing. Here I share my experiences and insights.

  1. More stable performance
    One of the first things to notice when using Katalon Studio on macOS is stability. Although Katalon performs well on Windows, MacOS offers a smoother and more stable experience. This is mainly due to the excellent optimization of MacOS for development and testing environments. The Unix-based system provides a robust platform that is less prone to crashes and system slowdowns, resulting in a more reliable testing environment. Also, since the release of the Apple-manufactured M-chips, Katalon has ensured that this chip is also supported by Katalon since version 9 which ensures that Katalon startup is now lightning fast.
  2. Optimized resource management
    MacOS is known for its efficient resource management. During my time on Windows, I sometimes noticed that Katalon Studio used a lot of system resources, leading to performance problems, especially when running intensive test scenarios. MacOS, on the other hand, manages system resources more efficiently, allowing me to run more tests in parallel without noticeable slowdowns or system hiccups.
  3. Better support for Unix-based tools
    Many developers and testers appreciate the power of Unix-based command-line tools and scripts. MacOS, with its native Unix support, offers seamless integration with these tools. This makes it easier to write and run complex automation scripts that work with Katalon Studio. Although Windows also provides support for these tools through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), the experience on MacOS is more intuitive and efficient.
  4. Superior screen rendering and user experience
    MacOS offers sharper and more consistent screen rendering, which is a major advantage when working with UI-based test automation. The high resolution and accuracy of Mac screens make it easier to identify visual differences and take accurate screenshots during testing. This is particularly useful when validating UI elements and creating detailed bug reports.
  5. Multiple options for testing on different platforms
    Working on MacOs, unlike Windows, offers the ability to test on multiple platforms. As known, MacOS uses its own browser Safari as the default browser. Katalon offers the ability to test on Safari as well as the other default browsers. These default browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox & Microsoft Edge.Mobile platforms are not forgotten either. While it is common on the Windows version of Katalon to only support Android devices, the MacOS version then offers an additional option to test on iOS devices as well.So this means that there are a larger amount of mobile and desktop versions to test apps and websites on
  6. Security and Privacy
    MacOS is known for its strong security measures. Built with robust security layers, it provides a more secure environment for running tests. This is critical for testers working with sensitive data or performing security testing. Built-in security features such as Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) reduce the risk of malware and other security problems, creating a more secure testing environment.
  7. Regular and Reliable Updates
    Apple is known for its regular and well-tested system updates, contributing to a stable and up-to-date operating environment. These updates not only improve system security and performance, but also ensure that Katalon Studio continues to function optimally. Windows updates can sometimes have unpredictable effects on the performance of development and testing tools, something I experience less on macOS.

Conclusion

Although Katalon Studio is a powerful and versatile tool that works well on both Windows and MacOS, its use on MacOS offers some distinct advantages. The stable performance, efficient resource management, seamless integration with Unix-based tools, multiple testing options on different platforms, superior screen rendering, strong security measures and reliable system updates make MacOS an excellent choice for testers who want to get the most out of their Katalon Studio experience. If you have the opportunity to switch to MacOS for your testing needs, I definitely recommend it.

Article: Timothy Engelen – Quality Consult & Test Engineer @M2Q

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