What is the purpose of a test runner?

• A. Execute server-side test steps
• B. Execute client-side test steps
• C. Schedule test runs
• D. Generate test data

Answer: (B)

A test runner is the component that actually executes the test steps defined in a test case. Its job is to drive the test, carrying out the actions and checks in the order specified. In many UI-focused testing frameworks, those steps include client-side interactions—things like clicking buttons, entering text, selecting options, and verifying what appears in the browser. The runner handles these actions by coordinating the browser or client environment, waiting for elements, and recording results.

Scheduling tests or generating data are separate concerns handled by other parts of the tooling or pipelines, not the core function of the test runner. So the primary purpose is to execute client-side test steps.