factory vs dataprovider code example

Example: factory vs dataprovider

@DataProvider – DataProvider returns a single or multi-dimensional JAVA Object 
array to the test method and the test method will invoke x times 
in a (x multiply n) type of object array. For example, if the DataProvider 
returns an array of 3*2 objects, the corresponding test case will be 
invoked 3 times with 2 parameters each time.

@Factory –  annotation is useful when we want to run multiple test 
cases through a single test class. It is mainly used for the dynamic 
execution of test cases.

Let's say we have in 2 different classes, there are 2 different test cases.
If we want to run both in the same class. We use @Factory annotaions which
takes Object[] array. We put the test cases into it. it returns Object array 
value.