Looking ahead: what to expect from test automation by 2025 and beyond

There are two common myths about testing. The 1st is that relying solely on developers for testing will cut costs. The 2nd is the belief that automated testing hasn't evolved much. In truth, the rapid advancement of technology, including automated testing, is undeniable. Contrary to these misconceptions, modern automated testing has significantly advanced, integrating sophisticated technologies like AI, ML, RPA, etc.??

Let's dive into the specifics: what trends in automated testing are gaining traction and shaping the landscape for 2025 and beyond??

Key test automation trends and predictions for 2025???

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Trend 1. Increasing use of RPA, AI, and ML???

The impact of these "simplifications" within automated testing is perhaps the most important.???

RPA automates repetitive tasks like data entry, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in end-to-end testing across diverse systems. Meanwhile, AI and ML technologies enable intelligent test generation, predictive analytics, and adaptive testing strategies. Besides, AI-driven tools analyze vast test data to predict defects and prioritize test cases based on risk, improving overall test coverage and effectiveness. At the same time, ML algorithms refine testing approaches based on learning from previous outcomes, optimizing testing strategies over time.??

While there are many obstacles to combining RPA, AI, and ML with the testing process, in the ideal perspective this sophisticated synergy, coupled with a small percentage of manual testing, can significantly speed up the testing process without sacrificing quality.?

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Trend 2. DevOps > DevSecOps??

With the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats, integrating security into the DevOps process — aka DevSecOps — is expected to become mainstream by 2025 and beyond.???

In this new approach, security is woven into every stage of development, with testing playing a vital role. Automated security testing tools will be employed to detect vulnerabilities in the code continuously. Additionally, techniques like “ethical hacking” will be used to simulate potential attacks, thereby reinforcing security measures.?

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Trend 3. Continued adoption of low-code/no-code platforms????

The trend towards implementing low-code/no-code platforms in automation testing reflects a shift towards “democratizing” test automation. These platforms empower business users and domain experts to create and execute automated tests without extensive programming skills.???

By enabling quick adaptation to changing requirements and seamless integration with existing tools, these platforms promote collaboration across teams and improve overall productivity. They support scalability, simplify maintenance, and ensure that testing efforts align closely with evolving software functionalities, ultimately contributing to faster delivery of high-quality software products.??

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Trend 4. Personalization and contextual testing?

Personalization is not only a prevalent trend in business but also increasingly applied in testing, directly impacting the user experience.?

Contextual testing involves evaluating how the software performs under different environmental conditions, user behaviors, and device configurations to ensure functionality across diverse real-world scenarios.??

This approach is driven by the need to validate software applications under diverse user scenarios and environmental conditions. These also involve tailoring test scenarios to simulate real-world usage contexts, ensuring that applications perform reliably across different devices, locations, and user behaviors.???

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Trend 5. Shift-left testing??

Shift-left testing involves integrating testing early in the software development lifecycle, aiming to detect and address issues as soon as possible. By starting testing at the initial stages, this approach reduces the risk of costly and time-consuming errors later in the development process.??

This trend is gaining momentum due to its ability to enhance collaboration between development and testing teams, leading to more efficient workflows and higher-quality software.???

For an in-depth look at how shift left testing can improve your software development process, check out our latest blog post.??

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Read the comprehensive article on shift left testing: https://www.executiveautomats.com/resources/articles/shift-left-testing-types-and-benefits?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=biweeklyarticle&utm_campaign=GPEA ?