Software Development is an ever evolving process with new research and breakthroughs making the development process more efficient and optimal. Similarly, software testing has also seen a series of changes ranging from manual to automation, and now AI test automation is making waves in the industry. If you want to know more about how software testing has evolved then do read our blog “Evolution of Software Testing”. In this particular article, we will be focusing on the difference between Test Automation and AI driven automation.
Automation and AI Automation are fundamentally different techniques.
Test Automation essentially means performing repetitive testing tasks based on the test scripts. Whereas, AI test automation involves the software to understand, learn, decide and perform on the basis of these learnings. A blog that delves into the various types of AI Automation and the current capabilities that are in the industry is here. In short, test automation isn’t “smart” and cannot “think”. While AI automation has the capability to make decisions, thus emulating human behavior, without any actual human involvement. It can spot anomalies, learn from patterns, analyze the data and then if required, can upgrade the test scripts (self healing). In simple words, AI automation adds a dimension of machine learning capabilities overlaying test automation.
AI automation is still in its nascent stage and will take some time to revolutionize the testing process completely. However, we have done a quick analysis and compared how Test automation and AI automation differ. Findings are presented in the following table.
| Automation + Scripters | AI Automation | |
| Objective | Performing repetitive tasks | Learning and improving with each repetition |
| Process | Follows preset rules | Upgrade rules based on learning from patterns & data analysis |
| Data Handling | Collating | Analyzing and learning |
| Decision Making Ability | No | Yes |
| Forecasting and Improvisation | No | Yes |
| Process Flexibility | No | Yes |
| UI Testing & API Testing | May fail | Succeeds |
| Test Coverage | Medium | High |
| Initial Setup Cost | High | Medium |
| Script Updating | No | Yes |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper |
| Effort | Higher | Lower |
We have a detailed blog where we have talked about how AI can assist in the QA process. Click here to read it.
Automation and AI automation, though expensive initially, have given organizations a powerful tool to gear up their testing process with Smart Automation. The benefits of using these are long term and have an accelerating effect on achieving the end goals of all the stakeholders, be it from a business perspective or technical. The quality of software improves exponentially and time to market the software is significantly reduced.
With Webomates CQ we have developed a service that incorporates the benefits of AI into a TAAS (Testing as a Service).
We have optimized testing through combining our patented platform that uses multiple channels of execution like Automation & AI with crowdsourcing & manual testing. Also, Webomates’ regression testing service guarantees that all test cases (even modified ones) are executed in 24 hours with exploratory testing, generating a list of prioritized defects for software teams to review and fix.
If you are interested in learning more about Webomates’ CQ service please click here and schedule a demo or reach out to us at info@webomates.com
Tags: AI, AI-Automation, Automation Testing
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