With an anticipated annual growth rate of 7% CAGR from 2024-2032, the software testing industry is set to expand at a uniform pace as per GMI. The continued advancement of testing methodologies and tools that improve software quality and performance has propelled development in the general software engineering sector.
Author: Harrison Mitchel
The introduction of new technologies, changes in customer demands, global availability and accessibility through smartphones, tablets, laptops as well as smart TVs, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices have all changed the field of software quality assurance. Keeping up with these developments is one of the major challenges QA teams are facing today.
QA teams are adopting several innovative approaches to address the challenges in software testing. Let’s get into some of the key software testing methodologies:
Key Challenges Impacting Software Testing
Before we delve into software testing trends, it’s crucial to understand the challenges that QA teams face on their journey to achieve efficiency and quality.
- Scarce Talent: The scarcity of talent creates a skill gap between in-demand and available professionals. Today, the software testing skills shortage is as high as 40% worldwide
- Poor Documentation: Growingcollaboration gaps between developers and testers contribute to execution issues
- Time Constraints: Due to the constraints in time, the pressurized team comprises the testing effectiveness in order to highlight the software delivery
- Managing Test Data: Ensuring data consistency and availability can be difficult, especially with large and complex datasets
- Handling Test Environment Issues: Maintaining stable and reliable test environments is challenging due to server issues and configuration complexities
It is essential to tackle these challenges head-on to maintain reliable software delivery in a rapidly changing technological environment. To tackle these challenges, organizations are consulting corporate training companies and investing in learning and development of their employees.
Top 10 Software Testing Trends for 2024
Embracing these trends enhances team efficiency, ensures effective utilization of resources, and faster release of new features. Let’s dive into the in-demand software testing trends for 2024.
- Scriptless Test Automation
Scriptless Testing Automation is a testing technique allowing users to design and execute automated tests without programming code. Instead of writing actual code, testers prefer identifying processes, which are then interpreted by the framework as test cases using either a visual interface, keywords or recording and playing back instructions.
This approach significantly lowers the technical barriers, making it possible for non-developers to engage in the testing process and democratize test automation.
Business technologists who work outside IT departments create technology or analytics capabilities for internal or external business use. As a result, many businesses employ scriptless testing automation for fast-pacing and shortening automated testing hours. This makes scriptless testing automation an important trend in 2024 because of its effectiveness, accessibility, and ability to speed up the whole testing procedure.
- IoT Testing
Internet of Things (IoT) testing involves testing all parts of an IoT device: how they function, their quality, security, dependability, and related applications. By doing so, problems can be detected and solved before these devices are used so that they perform efficiently and users are satisfied.
IoT has been in high demand ever since technology advanced and 5G entered the market; in fact, several surveys indicate that IoT will likely take the lead in the near future. Internet of Things (IoT) is vital to 5G technology since it facilitates high processing speeds and connectivity.
The abuse of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is growing as more gadgets hit the market. Security is the first thing that comes to mind when discussing improper usage of the internet. Extensive testing is required to guarantee that these devices operate correctly and preserve data. IoT testing is becoming a key software trend in 2024 as software testers are now giving security a higher emphasis in order to keep everything reliable and safe.
Corporate software testing training courses now include specialized IoT testing modules, equipping employees with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of various IoT devices. This ensures seamless and functional integration across systems.
- AI and Machine Learning in Testing
Machines can learn and reason for themselves due to AI, while ML is focused on teaching machines how to learn from data and forecast outcomes.
Software testing with AI and ML involves the application of these technologies at different stages of testing for its improvement. These technologies aid in automating repetitive tasks, and predicting potential bugs, thus enhancing test coverage, making it more efficient and reliable.
Using AI and ML in testing can save a lot of time as well as reduce costs. This is why there has been a movement towards AI/ML test automation by many firms, particularly in the US. According to IDC, global spending on AI systems is expected to reach $300 billion by 2026, reflecting the increasing reliance on AI and ML across industries. The rise of new technologies, such as multimodal AI, which leverages various forms of artificial intelligence, also augments the power of testing. Consequently, AI/ML in 2024 will be an important trend as more organizations embrace these technologies.
- Cloud-Based Testing
Cloud testing is software testing where applications and services are tested on a cloud platform. This approach is growing in popularity because all testing materials and data are kept in one location, which makes it simple for teams to collaborate. It doesn’t require physical infrastructure, thereby reducing costs, allowing various testing configurations, and scenarios without needing to set them up again.
Additionally, cloud testing enables companies to offer better software solutions more quickly. In addition, cloud testing integrates machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), which increases its strength through automatic tests and quicker release cycles. Thus, these organizations are going to adopt such technologies; therefore predicting that cloud based testing will be one of the big trends in software testing in 2024.
- Shift-Left Testing
Shift-left testing is the process of carrying out testing tasks earlier in the software development lifecycle to find and address bugs sooner. This method speeds up the software development process, reduces costs, and improves software quality.
The shift-left testing approach involves starting tests as soon as the first code is written instead of waiting until the application has been fully developed. As software gets ever more complex and needs to be delivered at an increasing speed, shift-left testing will continue to be a key trend in 2024.
Companies are adopting this strategy to compete against each other and end up delivering the software more promptly with improved quality. When testing is integrated at an early stage, teams can reduce the number of defects found later during its life cycle, thus improving collaboration between developers and testers, and make use of emerging technologies such as automated testing tools or AI-driven testing to boost their effectiveness.
- Application Penetration Testing
Application penetration testing is the practice of running a simulated attack on a system in order to uncover vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. By using those findings it helps the testers determine whether or not compromised data could be obtained.
In 2024, more organizations have resorted to penetration testing in order to remain ahead of developing cyber threats. Furthermore, the integration of AI and machine learning for automated vulnerability detection together with persistent security monitoring, make these kinds of tests more efficient and effective as well. Not only does this proactive approach help in identifying vulnerabilities before any potential hacker gets a chance to utilize them, but it also ensures adherence to security measures, thereby safeguarding sensitive information whilst reducing losses related to data breaches.
- Mobile App Testing Automation
Automated tools and scripts are used in mobile app test automation to check a mobile application’s functionality, performance, and usability. In contrast to manual testing that needs to be done on multiple devices and operating systems, automated testing can execute thousands of pre-defined tests within minutes. This efficiency is important for the current mobile applications, ensuring they work uniformly on different platforms.
One of the key driving forces behind the mobile app test automation trend in 2024 is its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance of high quality standards. It plays a significant role in continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) environments where it provides feedback at a rapid rate thereby enabling more frequent releases that can be relied upon. By constantly detecting bugs as well as verifying the behavior of applications, mobile app testing automation meets increasing user needs for performance and application reliability.
- Performance Testing
Performance testing checks how quickly, responsively, and stably a software application is performing under different circumstances. It helps to identify and rectify performance problems so as to ensure that the application can accommodate the anticipated number of users or transactions.
As applications become more complex with increasing demands for seamlessness from users, businesses have started focusing on performance testing in order to make sure their software can cater to heavy loads and respond quickly. This proactive approach leads not just to increased customer satisfaction but also to the reliability as well as stability of the business functions. Moreover, integrating AI into performance testing tools improves efficiency and offers real-time insights which make it easier to detect problems and resolve them. Companies are thus able to remain competitive by providing accessible applications that perform highly in accordance with what the users need, making performance testing a key software testing trend in 2024.
BPO companies, financial institutions, healthcare service providers, retail companies and other types of companies that work in time-sensitive service industries require their software to be up and running irrespective of the load on their servers. Software used by such companies require periodic performance testing.
Software testing outsourcing is one of the ways these companies can address challenges that may arise from heavy workloads, especially during peak seasons. Another approach these companies can take to address challenges from heavy workloads, especially during peak seasons, is to implement automated testing solutions that can handle repetitive tasks efficiently and reduce the risk of human error.
- Blockchain testing
Blockchain testing checks if blockchain systems, including smart contracts, transactions, and wallets, work correctly, are secure, and perform well.
Unique characteristics of blockchain testing have contributed to its rapid rise in popularity within the software testing industry. It is projected that this trend will continue into 2024 as organizations across diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, transport, real estate, government and energy embrace blockchain technology. However, as it grew, so did the inherent risks within these systems leading to increased data protection and privacy concerns.
Organizations need specialized testing strategies in order to meet challenges posed by decentralized architecture and smart contract logic if they want to make sure that their blockchain applications are secure, reliable and functional.
By focusing on transparency, safety among other factors; effective blockchain testing builds trust while minimizing potential threats from vulnerabilities. Moreover; use of automation and AI in the testing processes enhances efficiency making it all the more vital for organizations trying to embrace a rapidly changing digital landscape hence making them dependent on their proper functioning.
- Big Data Testing
Big Data Testing is gaining importance as organizations increasingly rely on massive volumes of data for decision-making. In 2024, this trend will continue to rise as businesses handle large datasets from various sources, requiring advanced testing approaches. Big Data Testing involves validating the accuracy, integrity, and performance of datasets across different applications and systems. It ensures that the data processed, stored, and analyzed by organizations is reliable, consistent, and error-free, which is critical for accurate business insights and decision-making.
The complexity of Big Data Testing lies in its ability to handle vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. Testers must focus on data quality, functional testing, and performance validation while ensuring data security and compliance with regulations. With the rise of AI and ML in testing, automation in Big Data Testing will play a pivotal role in managing these challenges efficiently, helping teams process large datasets more quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
By emphasizing specific objectives, strategic intent, and the power of adaptation, organizations can seamlessly integrate these trends into their current software testing approaches. In today’s rapidly evolving field, continuous learning and development are vital for staying competitive. Investing in training, such as PMP certification or project management certification, equips teams with the skills needed to manage projects efficiently and meet the dynamic demands of software testing.
By enhancing team performance through structured training, your teams can stay at the forefront of industry best practices, ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products that meet modern standards.
About the Author
Harrison Mitchel is a Software Testing expert with 12 years of experience in the field. His expertise lies in developing testing strategies and training programs. He has a proven track record in designing initiatives that enhance testing skills and improve software quality. His writings offer practical insights on fostering a testing culture and implementing effective testing processes.
The scriptless automation section was very triggering for me. Actually as a tester aspiring to be considered a developer, I found each section a bit bias toward testing resources who don’t want to code. A test can and should come from anywhere but for me this article didn’t seem to embody that mantra. I wish you had provided some advantages and disadvantages for each trend. For example, machine learning algoritt are not working out great in the open source community right now because they are finding a lot of false positives which wastes the developer’s time who is already stretched. I want to say more but I feel like this comment may met with silence.