Automated Exploratory Testing: Reality or Dream?
After years of searching for ways to make End-to-End (E2E) automated testing more efficient, I can confidently say — the reality is here! For a long time, I sought to make tests more effective, with wider coverage, while freeing up testers for exploratory testing. I always felt that there was more potential, and today, I understand that everything connects in the AI era — if we just shift our mindset. There are many tools on the market offering AI-based solutions to speed up test development, but the real challenge lies in utilizing AI’s full power to create a fundamental change in our approach.
A Shift in Mindset — The Way Forward
The prevailing concept until now has been completely wrong! I realized that the existing models for test development, especially the Page Object Model (POM), are no longer suitable for the modern AI-driven world. To truly leverage the technology, we need to shift our automation architecture to be capable of communicating seamlessly with AI. The AI needs to receive a clear set of known actions (possible), obtain concise feedback on results (possible with great design), and thereby generate automated tests autonomously — without a single manual test script. It’s a simple concept shift, but the implications are deep and far-reaching.
However, we need to stop mindlessly adopting tools that promise magic with no-code automation and AI add-ons! If we don’t shift the underlying concept, we won’t reach the desired outcome. The real power of AI isn’t in another tool or quick fix — it’s in the hands of skilled, creative developers who can provide AI with the full scope of information it needs.
Where Does This Lead Us?
This change directly impacts the structure of the workforce. In the past, automation was divided into infrastructure setup and test writing. After the mindset shift, all that’s left is focusing on the infrastructure, while AI handles the rest. This means we can release versions much faster, as AI generates tests dynamically, focusing on problematic areas or those that have recently undergone changes. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a reality that already exists and only requires us to change our way of thinking and understand how to integrate AI into our testing processes.
According to the new concept — which is absolutely achievable — AI will not replace the developer. It needs good developers, particularly creative ones, to make all the necessary information accessible to the AI.
The Bottom Line
So, what’s the next step? We need a mindset shift. If we grasp AI’s potential in the automation world and allow it to work smartly and dynamically, we can move into an era where automated tests are performed almost without manual intervention. The future is already here, and all that remains is to embrace it and lead the change that will enable us to fully utilize this advanced technology.
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Looking for a place to explore fresh ideas and innovations in automation and AI testing? “Automation that Inspires” is a new and growing community where we discuss cutting-edge trends, share insights, and collaborate on the future of automated testing.
As this group is just getting started, now is the perfect time to be part of the early discussions and help shape the conversation! Let’s connect, share, and inspire one another as we explore the exciting possibilities AI brings to the world of automation.
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