Independent Software QA Testing Services

The Future of Test Automation

How AI and ML are Revolutionizing Software Testing in 2023

The world of software testing is rapidly evolving, thanks to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. Test automation, in particular, is undergoing significant change as more organizations adopt AI and machine learning-based tools to improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of their testing processes.

In this blog post, we will look at how AI and machine learning are transforming software testing, as well as some of the tools that are leading the way. The aim of this post is to bridge the gap between the worlds of test automation and AI/ML.

The Role of AI and ML in Test Automation

Traditional test automation involves writing test scripts that mimic user interactions with an application and using those scripts to validate the application’s functionality, performance, and security. While this approach can be effective in some cases, it can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and error-prone, especially as applications become more complex. AI and ML-based test automation, on the other hand, involves the use of intelligent algorithms to generate, execute, and analyze test cases automatically. These algorithms can learn from previous testing experiences, adapt to changes in the application, and detect patterns and anomalies that manual or scripted testing may have missed.
The advantages of AI and machine learning-based test automation are numerous. It can reduce testing time and costs, increase test coverage, and improve test results accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, it can aid in the early detection of critical issues, allowing developers to address them before they become more difficult and costly to resolve.

Tools for AI and ML-based Test Automation

There are many tools and platforms available that leverage AI and ML to enhance test automation. Here are some examples:
1. Applitools:

Applitools is a cloud-based visual testing platform that uses AI and ML to detect and analyze visual changes in applications. Its powerful algorithms can detect even the slightest visual changes, making it an ideal tool for testing applications with a large number of visual components.

Applitools also integrates with popular test automation frameworks such as Selenium, Appium, and Cypress, making it easy to incorporate into existing testing processes. This is also considered one of the most used AI powered Visual Automation tools available in the market.

2. Accelq:

Accelq is a test automation platform that leverages AI and ML to accelerate the testing process. It uses natural language processing (NLP) to allow testers to write test cases in plain English, which are then automatically converted into automated tests. Accelq also includes an AI-powered test generation engine that can create new tests based on existing test cases, saving testers time and effort.

3. Testim:
Testim is an AI-based test automation tool that uses machine learning to analyze user behavior and automatically generate test scripts. Testim can also identify and fix flaky tests, reducing the need for manual intervention. Additionally, Testim provides real-time feedback on test results, allowing testers to quickly identify and resolve issues.
4. Functionize:
Functionize is a cloud-based testing platform that uses AI and ML to create and execute tests. It includes an AI-powered test creation tool that can automatically generate test cases based on user behavior. Functionize also uses machine learning algorithms to detect and fix issues, reducing the need for manual intervention.
5. TestCraft:
TestCraft is a codeless Selenium test automation platform for web apps. The revolutionary Artificial Intelligence technology and unique visual modeling method allow for faster test creation and execution while eliminating test maintenance overhead. Testers create fully automated test scenarios without coding.

Benefits of AI and ML in Test Automation

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing the way software testing is being performed. They are enabling testers to:
1. Improve Test Coverage:
Testers can create and execute tests more efficiently by leveraging AI and ML, resulting in greater test coverage. They can detect bugs earlier in the software development lifecycle by identifying and testing more scenarios.
2. Enhanced Test Accuracy:
AI and ML-powered tools can analyze test results and identify patterns, allowing testers to pinpoint the root cause of issues more. As a result, false positives and false negatives are reduced.
3. Time and Resources Saving:

Automated testing tools with AI and ML capabilities can significantly reduce testing time and resources. They can run tests faster and more frequently, allowing testers to focus on more important tasks.

With the power of Artificial Intelligence now QAs can build stable, scalable, and reusable automated tests. The best three takeaways would be:

  • Improves re-usability: The test authored for the web can be used directly for mobile devices (android & ios)
  • Eliminates maintenance efforts
  • Requires no expertise in designing locators 

Drawbacks of AI/ML

While AI and ML-powered test automation tools have numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of using AI and ML in test automation:
1. High Learning Curve:
In being effective, AI and ML-powered tools require specialized knowledge and expertise. To use these tools effectively, testers may need to invest time and resources in training and upskilling. And the learning phase seems to be quite long.
2. Limited Domain Knowledge:
AI and machine learning-powered tools are only as good as the data on which they are trained. If the tools are not trained in a wide range of scenarios, they may be unable to identify and diagnose problems in all situations.
3. Investment & Cost:
AI and machine learning-powered test automation tools can be costly, especially for small teams or organizations. Some businesses may find the cost of licensing, training, and maintaining these tools prohibitively expensive.
4. Dependence on Technology:
Using AI and machine learning-powered tools means relying on technology to complete testing tasks. Technical issues or bugs in the tools themselves can cause delays and potentially affect the accuracy of test results.
5. False Sense of Security:

While AI and machine learning can improve test accuracy, it is important to remember that they are not perfect. Testers must remain vigilant and thorough in their testing processes, rather than relying solely on the results generated by automated tools.

To summarise, while AI and ML-powered test automation tools have numerous advantages, they also have potential drawbacks. Before deciding to use these tools, businesses, and teams should carefully assess their needs and resources and weigh the pros and cons. Furthermore, it is critical to remember that AI and ML-powered tools should be used to supplement, rather than replace, human testing and oversight.

Pricing Comparison

Since AI/ML-based test automation is new to the market, approaching the sales team would be advantageous in procuring a more realistic pricing model. To make an impact in the early stages, all of the companies listed below are willing to extend the trial version with additional support.

Here is a rough pricing comparison to help you decide whether to use AI/ML powered automation tools.

Tools

Pricing

Free Trial

Source

Applitool

Flexible Pricing

Yes, lifetime free  for 1 user with 100 checkpoints monthly

https://applitools.com/pricing/

Accelq

There are three types of pricing starting from 150$ per user per month to 440$. [Check the link in the source]

Yes, the trial version can be extended.

https://www.g2.com/products/accelq/pricing

Testim

Starts from 450$ per month to 1000$. [Check link in the Source]

Yes- 14 days trial

https://www.testim.io/pricing/

Functionize

Flexible Quote based price model. [Check link in the source for Quote]

Yes-14 day trial

https://www.functionize.com/pricing

TestCraft

Subscription plans for both Monthly & Annually, start from 83$. [More details in the source section]

Yes-14 day trial

https://www.perfecto.io/pricing/subscription-plans

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping the software testing industry. Testers can create and execute tests faster and more accurately with the help of AI and ML-powered test automation tools, improving test coverage and reducing false positives and false negatives.

The five tools mentioned in this article – Applitools, Accelq, Testim, Functionize, and TestCraft – are just a few examples of the many AI and ML-powered test automation tools available in the market. As the use of AI and ML in testing continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative tools and solutions emerge in the future.

We are ThoughtFrameworks have the expertise to help your project delivery with the proper use of AI/ML and can be consumed across the enterprise. As we have a large team who has expertise in multiple Test Automation tools and frameworks so we can bring a wide variety of talents to achieve the target.

Recommended Blogs