An apparatus for testing applications includes a data-processing machine including a memory and a processor operably coupled to the memory. The data-processing machine is configured to implement a data-driven testing framework that includes a data engineering module, a computational environment manager, and a result analysis module. The data engineering module is configured to create engineered test data based at least in part on the application to be tested. The computational environment manager is configured to control a computational environment in which the application is to operate on the engineered test data. The result analysis module is configured to compare engineered test data operated upon by the application with an expected output.