A framework is a pre-defined structure that provides a foundation and best practices for building something. In automation testing, a framework provides guidelines and tools to efficiently create, execute, and maintain automated test scripts. It helps standardise test design, execution, and reporting, leading to a more maintainable and scalable test suite.

Both implicit and explicit waits handle dynamic elements on a webpage. Implicit waits define a maximum wait time for all elements throughout the test script. Explicit waits are more precise, allowing you to wait for specific conditions like an element becoming visible or clickable before proceeding with the test. I typically use implicit waits for basic delays, but for critical elements, I prefer explicit waits to ensure tests don't fail due to slow loading times.

For API testing, I focus on validating the response received from the API against the expected outcome. This involves comparing the response code (e.g., 200 for success) with the expected code and verifying the response data matches the defined schema. Tools like Postman can help with assertion libraries to automate these comparisons.

Gherkin is a human-readable language ideal for Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) testing. It allows defining test cases in plain English steps ("Given", "When", "Then") focusing on application behavior. I recommend using Gherkin for collaborative testing with stakeholders, as it improves communication and understanding of test scenarios.

Automated testing offers numerous advantages. It significantly increases the speed of test execution, allowing for more frequent test cycles and faster feedback loops. Automated tests can achieve wider test coverage compared to manual testing, leading to a more robust application. Additionally, automation improves efficiency and reduces the cost of testing by minimising manual effort and human error. Overall, automated testing contributes to higher quality and performance of the software application.