Artificial Intelligence in Software Testing- Will AI Replace Humans?

Artificial Intelligence in Software Testing- Will AI Replace Humans?

We live in a golden age in which technology permeates every aspect of our life. This is especially true now that "Artificial Intelligence" has become an integral part of the industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that replicates intelligence in machines by enabling them to think, act, and mimic human responses. From virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Home, and Siri to assisting in developing new revolutionary innovations like autonomous vehicles, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies, AI is ubiquitous.

Over recent years, newer algorithms have been developed to imitate human intellect and integrated into machines. AI has continued to affect a wider range of fields, including healthcare, finance and retail, customer analytics, manufacturing, and especially software testing. There are a variety of AI-based solutions available to tackle and resolve various software testing challenges.

With the overwhelming amount of technological breakthroughs and advancements in artificial intelligence, the question on everyone's mind is- "Do we still need humans in software testing?".

Will AI Replace Humans in Software Testing?

To answer this question, it's critical to assess the current state of AI. The current systems that we are aware of and employ have "weak AI", suggesting they are exceptionally skilled at completing just a single duty at one time. However, unlike humans, they cannot multitask and respond to multiple environmental cues simultaneously or in tandem.

Contrary to popular belief, notable software specialists feel that artificial intelligence can only aid in software testing and not wholly replace people. Unlike AI, humans can go outside the box and investigate underlying software risks. However, multiple factors need to be explored in-depth to reach a preferred conclusion.

Drawbacks of Human Testers in Contrast To AI:

Time-consuming

One of the most significant drawbacks of human software testing is time-consuming. Validation of a software's functionality can take days or weeks, but with artificial intelligence, this period is cut in half.

Limited testing options

Artificial intelligence expands the testing possibilities, but human testing scenarios have a limited scope.

Lack of automation

Manual testing necessitates the presence of a software tester, whereas artificial intelligence testing may be carried out consistently without requiring much human participation.

Low Productivity

There will be low productivity in a large firm without using artificial intelligence automated software testing technologies.

Less Accuracy

Manual testing is not always 100 percent accurate because it can be prone to flaws that escape the software tester's notice. Some software flaws go unnoticed by software testers, and validation is limited to some regions while others go unnoticed. Coverage and accuracy can both be enhanced with AI.

Scalability Issues

Manual testing is a sequential procedure that follows a linear path. This means that only one test can be produced and run at a time; attempting to construct many tests from different features simultaneously would add to the complexity.

AI as a Full-Time Human Replacement

Regular Input Requirement

GIGO (Garbage in, Garbage Out) is a notion used by artificial intelligence software testers: Most individuals believe that artificial intelligence will solve all their testing problems. They are hoping that artificial intelligence will overcome all the difficulties that manual testing has failed to solve.

The simple fact is that an AI tool cannot solve a problem that cannot be solved manually. AI systems can only tackle issues that have been manually solved and instructed to be solved digitally. As a result, an AI tool can only do what it is suggested and cannot go further.

Expensive costs

The high cost of acquiring AI tools and keeping them updated over time to meet the latest criteria can make it unavailable to individual testers and small businesses.

Limited Independent Capabilities

Automated software testers can't look outside the box because they're not programmed to do so. Their capabilities are limited, and they can only use the algorithms or programs recorded in their internal circuit.

The Solution- A Human-AI Collaboration

As stated in this article, human intervention in AI-based systems is necessary to guarantee that they perform as planned. AI can only accomplish the job for which it was trained, and it cannot reason or respond like humans, especially when several elements and careers are involved.

As a result, even if we operate AI-based technologies, people will always be necessary and beneficial. Humans must train AI, evaluate AI, and verify that it meets customer expectations regarding privacy, confidentiality, ease of use, and other elements critical to remaining competitive in today's market.

The Conclusion

"According to a recent analysis by Gartner, around 2.3 million jobs will be generated by 2020, with just 1.8 million jobs being destroyed. So, contrary to common thought, human jobs are not headed towards extinction."

To summarize, artificial intelligence's contribution to software testing is considerable and has aided in achieving remarkable successes in software testing. Still, more importance is given to the inevitability of human assistance. As artificial intelligence makes its way into product testing and other areas of quality assurance, companies are debating whether it should be used entirely within their quality assurance teams. On the other hand, quality assurance clearly cannot function without human input.

The main advantages of AI in software testing include the facts that it goes beyond the restrictions of manual testing, aids in improving effectiveness and precision in bug and algorithm testing, and makes financial sense in software development. AI will not be limited to assisting software testers in the long run but will be relevant to all tasks in software development to deliver high-quality software to the consumer. So, in response to the subject matter question, it is fairly evident that the idea of AI eradicating and replacing humans is inaccurate.

To read more about how AI will affect software testing in the foreseeable future, check out https://huddle.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/5-ways-ai-will-change-software-testing/