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The Test automation Pyramid series Starts on episode 1 and runs to episode 8.

Images of the test automation pyramid are available online and you’ll see good agreement that macro tests are at the top and micro tests in the bottom. But there’s a lot of mystery about what goes into the middle floor. I’ve put on my leather hat and brought my bullwhip and explored the automation pyramids at many other companies. I’ve learned that some put their service API tests here, others put DB dependent tests or any tests that cross boundaries such as process and network. But everybody’s agreed that they can maintain thousands of simple microtests at the bottom floor but only a few UI and full stack tests in the glass penthouse at the top (so we can keep an eye on this expensive, LV bag toting lot) and this middle, secret floor, is where we put as many macro tests as we can that don’t require a UI. So the secret floor is inhabited with a diverse lot of “subcutaneous” tests.