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Robot framework VS Katalon

Compare Robot framework VS Katalon and see what are their differences

Robot framework logo Robot framework

Robot Framework is a generic test automation framework for acceptance testing and acceptance...

Katalon logo Katalon

Built on the top of Selenium and Appium, Katalon Studio is a free and powerful automated testing tool for web testing, mobile testing, and API testing.
  • Robot framework Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-20
  • Katalon Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-19

Robot framework features and specs

  • Open Source
    Robot Framework is open-source, which means it is free to use and has a large community of users and contributors who continuously improve the tool and provide support.
  • Extensible
    Its extensible nature allows easy integration with various libraries and tools. Custom libraries can also be added to extend its functionality further.
  • Keyword-Driven Testing
    Utilizes a keyword-driven testing approach, making tests readable and simple to create even for non-programmers. This encourages collaboration between developers and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Platform Independent
    Robot Framework is platform-independent and can be run on different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Selenium Integration
    Offers seamless integration with Selenium, empowering it to be used for a wide range of web application testing tasks, from simple UI checks to complex automated workflows.
  • Rich Reporting
    Generates comprehensive logs and reports that help in the easy identification of test results and issues. The reports are user-friendly and provide detailed execution flow.
  • Data-Driven Testing
    Supports data-driven test cases, allowing tests to be executed with multiple sets of input data, enhancing test coverage.

Possible disadvantages of Robot framework

  • Learning Curve
    For those unfamiliar with keyword-driven testing or the framework itself, there can be a learning curve, particularly in understanding how to best structure test cases and use the available libraries.
  • Performance Overhead
    The high level of abstraction can introduce some performance overhead, making it less suitable for extremely performance-sensitive or low-level testing scenarios.
  • Limited Mobile Testing
    While it supports mobile testing through Appium, the support and community resources for mobile testing are not as robust as for web application testing.
  • Python Dependency
    It primarily relies on Python, which means that some organizations that use different programming languages might find it less straightforward to integrate and utilize effectively.
  • Debugging Complexity
    Debugging can be less intuitive compared to traditional code-based frameworks. Errors can sometimes be harder to trace due to the abstraction layer provided by keyword-driven scripting.

Katalon features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Katalon's intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface lowers the barrier for entry, making it simple for both novice and experienced testers to create and manage automated tests.
  • Cross-Browser Testing
    It supports automated testing across different browsers and platforms, ensuring consistent behavior of applications in various environments.
  • Integrated Reporting
    Katalon offers robust reporting and dashboard features, providing detailed insights and analytics on test execution and results.
  • Built-in Keywords
    The platform includes a comprehensive library of built-in keywords for web, API, mobile, and desktop testing, reducing the need for custom scripting.
  • Community and Support
    An active community along with comprehensive documentation and professional support services help users troubleshoot issues and share best practices.
  • Cost-Effective
    Offering both free and paid versions, Katalon is cost-effective and accessible for both small teams and large enterprises.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Katalon integrates well with popular CI/CD tools, version control systems, and other DevOps tools, enabling seamless workflows.

Possible disadvantages of Katalon

  • Performance Issues
    Some users report performance lags and slow test execution speeds, especially when dealing with large test suites.
  • Limited Scripting Language Options
    Katalon primarily supports Groovy for scripting, which could be a limitation for teams accustomed to other languages like Python or JavaScript.
  • Resource Intensive
    The platform can be resource-heavy, requiring robust hardware to run efficiently, which could be a concern for smaller setups or limited environments.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the interface is user-friendly, advanced features and customizations have a steep learning curve that might require significant time investment.
  • Limited Mobile Testing Features
    Mobile testing capabilities, while present, are not as mature or extensive as some specialized mobile testing tools.
  • Pricing for Enterprise Features
    Advanced features and extensive support come at a cost, which might be a hurdle for smaller teams or organizations with limited budgets.
  • Integration Limitations
    Although Katalon integrates with many tools, it still lacks compatibility with some niche or less popular systems.

Robot framework videos

Robot Framework Tutorial | Robot Framework With Python | Python Robot Framework | Edureka

More videos:

  • Review - The Robot Framework – Top 7 Things You Need to Know
  • Review - Robot Class vs Robot Framework Vs Robotic Process Automation

Katalon videos

Katalon Studio: Advantage and Disadvantage to Katalon Studio

More videos:

  • Review - TestProject vs Katalon Studio - An Complete comparison
  • Review - QnA Friday 20 - Selenium or Katalon Studio ? ⭐⭐⭐

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Robot framework and Katalon)
Automated Testing
41 41%
59% 59
Browser Testing
52 52%
48% 48
Website Testing
38 38%
62% 62
Testing
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Robot framework and Katalon

Robot framework Reviews

Top 5 Selenium Alternatives for Less Maintenance
Robot Framework is an open-source automation framework that uses a keyword-driven approach, making it easy to create and maintain test cases. It supports both codeless and script-based automation, making it versatile for various testing needs.
Best Automation Testing Tools (Free and Paid) | July 2022
Selenium is an open-source test automation framework that automates web browsers. It becomes a favorite automation tool of choice for automation testers. It acts as a core framework for open-source test automation software such as Watir, Robot Framework, Katalon Studio, and Protractor.
Top 10 Best Selenium Alternatives You Should Try
Robot Framework is an open-source test automation framework used for acceptance test-driven development (ATDD) and acceptance testing. Robot Framework is standard and uses a keyword-driven testing approach and behavior-driven.
Best Selenium Alternatives (Free and Paid) in 2021
Robot Framework is an open-source automation framework that implements the keyword-driven approach for acceptance testing and acceptance test-driven development (ATDD). Robot Framework provides frameworks for different test automation needs. But its test capability can be further extended by implementing additional test libraries using Python and Java. Selenium WebDriver is...
5 Selenium Alternatives to Fill in Your Top Testing Gaps
Robot Framework is an open-source Selenium alternative primarily for acceptance test-driven development (ATDD) and acceptance testing. Using the keyword-driven methodology, testers and developers can use Robot Framework as an automation system for web and mobile test automation.
Source: www.perfecto.io

Katalon Reviews

Top 20 Open Source & Cloud Free Postman Alternatives (2024 Updated)
Katalon Studio is an integrated environment for API, web, desktop, and mobile testing. It provides a rich feature set for comprehensive testing.
Source: medium.com
Top Selenium Alternatives
Katalon Studio is a versatile testing platform that provides a comprehensive solution for web, API, mobile, and desktop application testing. It's designed for users of all technical levels and features codeless test creation, a friendly UI, and the ability to integrate with various tools and frameworks. Katalon platforms offers both automated and exploratory testing,...
Source: bugbug.io
15 Best Postman Alternatives for Automated API Testing [2022 Updated]
API testing in Katalon Studio is a comprehensive feature that supports all sorts of REST, SOAP/1.1, and SOAP/1.2 calls. Katalon Studio allows testers to collaborate in multiple ways on their API project, including keyword-driven testing and Page Object Model (POM) testing. Katalon’s API automation IDE offers the best functionality for scripting, debugging, and maintaining...
Source: testsigma.com
Best Automation Testing Tools (Free and Paid) | July 2022
Katalon Studio is a simple and powerful automation solution built by KMS Technology for testers everywhere. The tool provides comparable features to popular commercial solutions whilst eliminating the effort to build an automation framework from open sources. Best of all, we’re committed to keeping Katalon Studio free.
20 BEST Selenium Alternatives in 2021
Trusted by over half a million users, Katalon Studio offers the best of both worlds of Selenium & Appium by eliminating their complexities while still remaining a powerful automation solution with advanced features.
Source: www.guru99.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Robot framework should be more popular than Katalon. It has been mentiond 32 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Robot framework mentions (32)

  • Most Effective Approaches for Debugging Applications
    Fixing a bug is incomplete without preventing its recurrence. Root cause analysis (RCA), coupled with regression testing and documentation, ensures long-term reliability. Antony Marceles, Founder of Pumex Computing, emphasizes, “Fixing a bug is only part of the solution, preventing it from happening again is the real goal.” Marceles’ team uses regression tests via Robot Framework and code reviews with Gerrit to... - Source: dev.to / 21 days ago
  • Robot Framework Using the Browser Library: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Practical Tips
    Documentation is your best friend. It provides comprehensive guides, examples, and API references to help you navigate the library effectively. Here you can access it, as well as the Robot Framework documentation. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Automated Acceptance Testing with Robot Framework and Testkube
    The Robot Framework is an acceptance testing tool that is easy to write and manage due to its key-driven approach. Let us learn more about the Robot Framework to enable acceptance testing. - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago
  • Beautiful is better than ugly, but my beginner code is horrible
    Well, I work with software quality and despite not having a strong foundation in automation, one fine day I decided to make a change. I have been working with Robot Framework for a few months - and that's when I got a taste of the power of python. Some time later, I dabbled a little with Cypress and Playwright, always using javascript. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Embedded professionals, what kind of 'github' projects would make you hire a developer?
    I've used Lua/Busted in a data-heavy environment (telemetry from hospital ventilators). I've also used robot: https://robotframework.org/. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Katalon mentions (8)

  • 25 Best SaaS Testing Tools [2024]
    Katalon Studio is designed to provide a comprehensive testing platform for visual, web, API, mobile, and desktop applications. It is one of the best SaaS testing tools due to its user-friendly interface and robust features, which help teams streamline their testing processes and deliver high-quality software without bugs, enhancing overall digital experiences. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Top 10 iOS Automation Testing Tools for 2025 (with Key Features)
    #6 Katalon Studio This automated testing platform supports iOS app testing across desktop, web, mobile apps, and APIs. It can test native, hybrid, and web apps on various real devices, simulators, and cloud device farms. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Top 10 REST API Testing Tools
    Katalon Studio is a comprehensive test automation solution supporting web, mobile, and API applications. It integrates well with popular CI/CD tools and offers a user-friendly interface for test creation. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • The Importance of Testing and the Impact of a Bug in Production
    Katalon Studio - https://katalon.com/: an integrated environment to record and run your tests. 💲Free / Payment. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • GPT-3.5 crashes when it thinks about useRalativeImagePath too much
    I didn't realize this spelling mistake was so pervasive (80k GitHub results). Seems to be related to Katalon Studio (https://katalon.com/). - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Robot framework and Katalon, you can also consider the following products

Selenium - Selenium automates browsers. That's it! What you do with that power is entirely up to you. Primarily, it is for automating web applications for testing purposes, but is certainly not limited to just that.

Cypress.io - Slow, difficult and unreliable testing for anything that runs in a browser. Install Cypress in seconds and take the pain out of front-end testing.

Cucumber - Cucumber is a BDD tool for specification of application features and user scenarios in plain text.

Testsigma - Complete AI-driven Test Automation platform for Web apps, Mobile apps and APIs. Simple English commands to automate complex tests easily and effectively with all the flexibility that enterprise teams need!

TestComplete - TestComplete Desktop, Web, and Mobile helps you create repeatable and accurate automated tests across multiple devices, platforms, and environments easily and quickly.

JUnit - JUnit is a simple framework to write repeatable tests.