The software testing industry has undergone significant transformation due to evolving technology, largely due to new trends and improved tools. This transition has benefited the development, design, testing, and software delivery industries.
This new adaptation is said to have improved their work quality, which may be why businesses are now putting more emphasis on digital transformation to gain a competitive advantage.
Speaking of software testers and QA experts, their adaptation needs are changing and becoming more challenging on a daily basis. Software testers must keep up with current marketplace developments and software testing trends to function effectively.
Let us look at some of the most significant advancements and trends in the software testing domain that will need to be watched closely in 2023-24.
12 Software Testing Trends Required to be followed in 2024
1. ML and AI Test Automation
The use of ML and AI in test automation is becoming more and more common in business today, and it has many advantages over traditional automation methods. The main benefits of ML and AI adoption are time and cost savings. This is one of the reasons for the shift in US companies' test automation strategies to ML and AI.
For providing better test scenarios, test scripts, test information, and reports, AI/ML algorithms are being created, and their usage is dramatically increasing. Predictive models may help decide what, where, and when to conduct testing. The teams are assisted by smart analytics and visualization in identifying errors, understanding test coverage, and identifying high-risk locations.
However, it is essential to demonstrate that the chosen tool performs well in a client setting before beginning any automation endeavor. This scenario fosters client confidence in the suggested solution, speeds up implementation, lowers costs, and allows for quicker regression cycles, all of which lead to exceptional quality.
2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Software testing has already included robotic process automation, and we anticipate that trend to continue in 2022-23 with increasing acceptability. RPA, also known as robotic process automation, is a method of automating repeated operations, so they don't need manual involvement.
For the first time, RPA records the tester's actions to record what needs to be done. Then, RPA runs several scenarios employing identical on-screen actions using machine learning and artificial intelligence. It saves business time and money because it is automated.
3. IoT-based Testing
IoT has been in demand since the industry was introduced to 5G and technology advanced, and various studies indicate that IoT will soon dominate the market. However, if you were unaware, IoT is essential to 5G technology since it boosts processing connectivity speed, allowing it to function flawlessly.
IoT is quite active in a small number of sectors, like healthcare and automotive. The latest technology and testing tools, including POSTMAN, Wireshark, ITAG Dongle, etc., are better for IoT testing because there is less room for faults during testing.
4. Mobile-based Test Automation
Creating mobile apps keeps growing as mobile devices get more advanced. Consequently, only a tiny fraction of mobile testing is now automated, partly due to a lack of approaches and resources. Mobile test automation must be a component of DevOps toolchains to enable DevOps effectively.
However, automation of smartphone app testing is getting increasingly prevalent. This trend is being driven by shorter times to market and the use of increasingly advanced tools and methodologies for automated mobile testing. Mobile automation may advance by combining cloud-based mobile gadget facilities like Kobiton and test automation solutions like Katalon.
5. In-sprint Test Automation
The software testing process known as "in-sprint test automation" became popular in 2022 and will do so again in 2023. Organizations must work swiftly and deliver new versions as soon as possible, thanks to the agile methodology.
As a result, software testing can only be performed during the first three to four weeks of a sprint. However, testers are frequently observed trying an earlier version that contains a significant flaw. If your version is only tested using regression and DDT techniques, certain defects may sneak into the final product, increasing the cost by up to 100 times.
5. Blockchain Testing
Blockchain testing is the systematic assessment of the many functioning elements of the blockchain. In contrast to standard software testing, Blockchain testing consists of many components, including blocks, mining, transactions, wallets, and so forth, all of which need specialized tools to be tested.
The development of several quality stages, from system functionality to the security of the blockchain application, is aided by blockchain testing.
Furthermore, Santu Maity, a former IBM Enterprise Architect who is currently a Co-Founder of BIND Systems, believes that the optimal strategy for blockchain testing takes into account the complete environment. This comprises blockchain-based digital solutions and mobile apps that communicate with the operational elements of the blockchain system, such as an API, smart contracts, and nodes.
7. QAOps (Blending QA and DevOps)
QAOps is anticipated to become more integrated into the software development life cycle and play a significant role by 2023. The name "QAOps" was created by integrating the DevOps and QA procedures into one. The final check to make sure the software we are supplying is of good quality is QA. DevOps strives to combine software development with IT operations.
So, the newly blended process QAOps comes into actions when we incorporate QA into the DevOps technology practices. We are integrating testing into DevOps via QAOps, allowing QA engineers to collaborate with developers as the final product is being developed. A new software process model and an improvement in process quality are expected to be produced by QAOps.
8. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity has become more important in the world of software testing, both for QA and for testers. According to a recent poll, risk compliance helps raise industry knowledge and allows security before SDLC.
The best thing is that it enables us to see the flaws that can be quickly fixed before crooks exploit them. It is crucial in today's world and will become much more critical in the future for this reason, among others.
9. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
To retain flexibility and cost-effectiveness, we are all migrating toward the cloud today, not just as individuals but also as the primary IT industries. Virtualization has significantly changed servers and how they are utilized throughout the expanding age of digitalization.
Even specific technologies like Docker, Terraform, etc., will be available on the market by 2022-23. Effective management of the operational environment is the primary goal of IaC (Infrastructure as Code).
10. Chatbots
We are all well aware that, as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, which compelled the whole globe to alter its business method, chatbots became increasingly popular and began serving as front-line responders in practically all industries. As lockdown required businesses to shut down operations, and as remote work gained popularity, companies began implementing chatbot assistance for a better user experience.
Not only were chatbots helpful in answering questions, but they were also accessible around the clock. They assisted millions of users in various industries, including healthcare, retail, banking, and shopping. As a result, chatbots will likely be around for some time. Comprehensive testing is necessary to ensure their seamless operation and continued prominence in robotic process automation (RPA).
11. Codeless Automation Testing
Today organizations want to get the utmost output and results performed in no time. This opens the doors for codeless automation testing tools for QA professionals and software testers. These tools have been crafted through AI technology and enable test cases rapidly.
It is not only saving effort, time and costs but also keeping up the resources free from managing other tasks. If you go in-depth, these tools offer an essential amount of responsiveness, and now more organizations are accepting codeless automation testing as it has an enhanced learning curve, is simple to review, and the related tools are highly operative.
12. Test Automation in Agile Methodology
Agile is being measured as one of the most extensively leveraged project and work methodologies. This is because of its QA, which assists agile development and testing to upsurge with an immense speed, and that is why it has turned an impression among organizations to accept this model.
Agile Automation Testing in development is a special tactic for leveraging test automation in agile methodologies. Automation testing in Agile methodology enables QAs to craft test cases that operate automatically each time fresh code is pressed to the code source for an explicit application.
So, the objective behind agile automation testing is to make the software development procedure more efficient and well-organized while sustaining the superior quality, time involved, and use of the best set of resources.
The most leveraged and popular Agile Testing Tools for Project Managers include nTask Issue Tracker, JunoOne, Worksoft, JIRA, Kanbanize, Appium, Bug Shooting, and Selenium WebDriver.
Also know about the 8 Best Automation Testing Tools List For 2024
Moving Forward with Top Software Testing Trends
It is only the beginning of a new era for software testing and QA professionals. The testing and quality assurance (QA) industry is expected to grow significantly and rapidly due to the sector's expansion and the development of new technologies.
We explored the most visible trends of Agile and DevOps, AI & ML, API test automation, and diverse test modernization tactics. These are some of the best and top software testing trends whose growth needs to be monitored in 2022-23.
Both organizations and professionals must keep up with industry trends and technology upgrading. Testing professionals, companies, and QA teams would benefit from following these trends to remain aggressive and competitive in the rising marketplace.
At PerfectQA, we are an independent and proficient software testing company. Our specialized testers and expert QAs test your applications for faults, exceptions, workflow challenges, and everything that clutches your software product behind.
Our QA and testing experts can test any software product. You can easily Hire a Software Tester or a QA professional from us now!