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Settings Section

The Settings section controls how Robot Framework tests are configured, initialized, and cleaned up. It defines libraries, resources, variables, and execution hooks.

This section is critical for framework structure and lifecycle management.

Purpose of Settings Section​

The Settings section is used to:

  • Import libraries
  • Import resource files
  • Load variable files
  • Define setup and teardown
  • Control execution behavior

Common Settings Used​

1. Library​

Imports external libraries.

*** Settings ***
Library    SeleniumLibrary
Library    RequestsLibrary

Libraries provide actual automation capabilities.

2. Resource​

Imports reusable keywords and variables.

*** Settings ***
Resource    common_keywords.robot

Used to:

  • Share keywords across test suites
  • Improve reusability
  • Maintain separation of concerns

3. Variables​

Imports external variable files.

*** Settings ***
Variables    env_variables.robot

Commonly used for:

  • Environment configs
  • URLs
  • Credentials

Setup and Teardown​

Suite Setup / Teardown​

Executed once per test suite.

*** Settings ***
Suite Setup       Initialize Test Suite
Suite Teardown    Cleanup Test Suite

Test Setup / Teardown​

Executed before and after each test case.

*** Settings ***
Test Setup       Open Application
Test Teardown    Close Application

Execution Order (Important)​

Execution follows this order:

Suite Setup
  ↓
Test Setup
  ↓
Test Case Steps
  ↓
Test Teardown
  ↓
Suite Teardown

Understanding this order prevents unexpected failures.

Best Practices ✅​

  • Keep setup lightweight
  • Avoid business logic in setup/teardown
  • Use resource files for shared setups
  • Clean up properly in teardown

Common Mistakes ❌​

  • Heavy logic in setup
  • Hardcoding values
  • Mixing test logic with initialization
  • Forgetting cleanup

Key Takeaways​

  • Settings control test configuration
  • Libraries and resources extend functionality
  • Setup/Teardown manage lifecycle
  • Proper use improves stability and reuse