AI and Software Testing: Avoid Burnout, Save Developer Time

Software testing takes enormous amounts of time. The task often diverts developers, already under pressure to work faster and bring more projects to fruition, from their main mission. Increasingly, organizations are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the process.

Specifically, the most effective way to save software developers’ time is continuous testing with AI. Including AI in the continuous testing processes will help automate the entire process and reduce the time needed for manual testing. 

Why is this so important? The time savings can be significant. A top five global airline saved 810 hours daily by automating their testing instead of running it manually. A global optometry retailer reduced its live deployment time from 4 hours to 10 minutes and completed its API testing suites in just 6 minutes with 92% coverage. A top Asian bank increased its release velocity from once every three weeks to weekly. 

Wow! What would you do with all that extra time?

Some of the main time-saving benefits include:

• Test case generation – Using AI to analyze the application code, specification, and requirements and then generating tests reduces manual test case creation.
• Test execution – By executing tests continuously, AI also automates test execution which further reduces the need for manual testing.
• Test result analysis – Result analysis carried out by an AI tool will identify defects quickly and early in the testing process. This reduces the time needed for manual analysis. 
• Predicting defects – When an AI analysis tests results, it can carry that information forward to future testing runs to use that information to identify problem areas and defects before they occur.
• Test optimization: With AI, test coverage can be optimized by identifying the test cases that are repetitive or not effective, and then modifications can be suggested.

See also: Artificial Intelligence Tools for Software Testing

Secondary benefits of using AI for software testing

Developers have the opportunity to use the time they’ve saved to help improve the organization’s bottom line – and their own morale.  

They can focus on innovation. The time saved can be used to develop new features and improve existing ones that enhance functionality and improve UX. Increased customer satisfaction leads to increases in revenue while working on innovation is a great motivator for developers.

They can improve code quality. They can use the saved time to improve code quality, making that code more maintainable and easier to modify. This improves the bottom line by reducing what is needed in terms of time and resources for fixing and maintaining code. Developers also like projects where they get to write high-quality code, which will help with job satisfaction.

They can use the extra time to develop knowledge and skills. For example, developers can use their time to learn new languages, frameworks, and skills that increase productivity. This leads to improved work speed and quality while also being a morale booster, as developers love to improve their skills.

The additional time can also be used for mentoring. Developers can use the time to share knowledge and expertise with junior team members to help them improve their skills. This has an effect on the overall quality of the team while also boosting collaboration between team members.

The bottom line: Enterprises that use AI in software development will attract – and retain – the best talent. By using AI to eliminate tedious tasks, organizations will see reduced employee turnover and greater business gains, with developers finally free to focus on higher-value projects.

So…what would you do with all that extra time?