An automated software testing system tests a running application from a viewpoint of user of a graphical user interface of the running application. A programmed processor executes a plurality of meta-layer implementations defining controls of the graphical user interface using algorithms. Each of the meta-layer implementations receives at least one abstraction layer object as input and generates a second at least one abstraction layer object as output responsive to at least one of the algorithm for an associated identity, property, collection or meta-object. A plurality of declarative function modules define each algorithm for each of the plurality of meta-layer implementations. Each of the plurality of declarative function modules encapsulates a predetermined result responsive to execution of the declarative function without providing any detail of how the predetermined result is achieved.