In today's episode, I have the pleasure of sharing a presentation from Elisabeth Hendrickson, a renowned speaker, expert in test automation and development, and the author of the top-rated book Explore It!: Reduce Risk and Increase Confidence with Exploratory Testing. I've been trying to get Elisabeth on the show since 2014 without any luck, BUT I hosted an online event, RoboCon, a few years ago where Elisabeth was the keynote speaker and thought now is my chance to at least create an episode featuring her by reusing her session here. Elisabeth's keynote speech titled "Robot Framework Through the Lens of History" will take you on a fascinating journey through the evolution of test automation, highlighting some lesser-known stories and influential figures along the way. As she delved into her archives, she discovered long-lost gems that shed light on the frustrations and challenges she encountered on her test automation journey. From the frustrations caused by heavyweight software development processes to the issues with test automation tools breaking and providing irrelevant information, Elisabeth takes us through the hurdles she faced, triumphs, and shares the history of test frameworks, including Robot Framework, along the way. You don't want to miss it. Listen up! Also, if you have anything to do with the Robot Framework, this is an excellent time to check out and register for RoboCon 24. They will have both an in-person and online version that I will be hosting. So go to testguild.com/robocon, register, and hope to see you there.

In today's episode, titled "Confidently Delivering Quality Software," our host, Joe Colantonio, is joined by Joel Montvelisky, the co-founder and chief solution architect of PractiTest. Joel brings a wealth of experience in the field of Quality Assurance, having worked in various roles and countries since 1997. In this riveting discussion, Joel emphasizes the importance of the need to trace back to user stories and requirements when making automation and test case decisions. He proposes a more intelligent approach to testing coverage and the development of a centralized and organized execution and reporting engine to address the challenge of consolidating information from multiple testing tools. Joel also dives into the evolving role of testers, emphasizing the need for technical skills such as understanding CI systems and monitoring tools. He discusses the power of testing in production and the potential for testers to transition into data science. The podcast delves into the exciting realm of AI in testing, exploring how it can improve automation, assist decision-making, and even determine the value of test cases. Joel also shares insights into the changes and challenges faced by the testing industry, from shifts in methodologies to the increasing demand for testing in the digital transformation era. Join us as we uncover the secrets to confidently delivering quality software with Joel Montvelisky on the TestGuild Automation Podcast. Listen up! After listening be sure to check out a free trial of Practitist now: https://links.testguild.com/practitest

Welcome to another exciting episode of the TestGuild Automation Podcast! In today's episode, "Automation Pioneers Deep Dive with Automation Stars," we have a fantastic lineup of guests, including Chris Loder, Janna Loeffler, Gáspár Nagy, and Seb Rose. These automation experts bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in automation. But before we dive in, we have some exciting news to share. The AutomationSTAR Conference is happening in Berlin, Germany, from November 20 to 21, and our guests will speak there. This event is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about automation testing. As a special bonus for Test Guild listeners, you can get an extra 10% off tickets using the code "TestGuild10". Just head over to https://testguild.com/star and register today. In this episode, we'll explore the topics our guests will discuss at the conference, including test automation strategies, streamlining CI/CD pipelines, and leadership in automation. Janna Loeffler will give us insights into enhancing the developer and tester experience, while Chris Loder will share his expertise in designing automation frameworks. Gáspár Nagy will delve into behavior-driven development and SpecFlow, and Seb Rose will bring his vast experience with successful and failed projects. So grab your headphones and get ready to level up your automation game with the TestGuild Automation Podcast!

Welcome to the TestGuild Automation Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the world of mission-critical test automation with industry experts Josh Owen and Andrew Knight from Cycle Labs. With their extensive experience in enterprise solution deployment and test automation for supply chains, Josh and Andy share their insights and strategies for tackling the complex challenges faced by businesses today. From the importance of validating software behavior and functionality to the need for efficient end-to-end testing processes, our guests shed light on the evolving landscape of enterprise testing. They introduce us to Cyclescript, a language that combines the simplicity of cucumber with pre-defined steps, making it easier for non-developers to write tests using plain language. Discover how this semi-coded solution bridges the gap between codeless and traditional test automation approaches. But that's not all - in this episode, we explore the value of user acceptance testing and involving super users and business people in the validation process. Our guests discuss the significance of performance testing and its role in ensuring high-quality software. Plus, we delve into the unique challenges of the supply chain industry and how Cycle Labs is driving change by empowering businesses to upgrade their technologies and adapt to evolving demands. Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful mission-critical test automation in enterprise environments.

Welcome to the TestGuild Automation Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of mobile testing. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Simona Domazetoska from Tricentis, joining our host, Joe Colantonio, to discuss the future of mobile testing, AI, and accessibility. Simona brings over five years of experience in the software quality assurance industry, specializing in leveraging mobile and AI test automation technologies for IT modernization. Simona and Joe explore strategies for scaling mobile application testing in enterprise environments. Throughout the episode, they uncover various variables that can impact the performance of a mobile application, ranging from performance and UX-related issues to network and connectivity challenges. They delve into the complexity of testing mobile applications, considering different industries and specific KPIs or metrics for measuring performance. Simona also shares insights on the importance of visual and accessibility testing, as well as the role of machine learning in predicting and diagnosing performance issues. Additionally, they touch upon the challenges faced in mobile testing, such as the need for comprehensive analytics and metrics. So, join us as we explore the key insights and trends shaping the future of mobile testing with Simona Domazetoska on the TestGuild Automation Podcast.

Welcome back to the TestGuild Automation Podcast! In today's episode, “Learning Journeys for Testers,” two incredible guests are joining us: Richard Bradshaw, the friendly tester, and Mark Winteringham, the OpsBoss of Testing. Together with our host, Joe Colantonio, they will be discussing an exciting development in the testing space: learning journeys for testers. Discover how learning journeys are curated, narrated, on-demand experiences that combine new and existing content, helping you learn automation at your own pace and practically apply your knowledge. During the episode, our guests will delve into building these unique learning journeys. They'll discuss how they're currently working on a test app to accompany the journey, building it in every programming language imaginable. They'll also touch on the importance of maintaining automated checks, updating libraries, and the valuable role played by the community in contributing tools and approaches. But that's not all! Richard and Mark share their insights on anticipating potential failures, the challenges of unit testing across different programming languages, and the importance of practicing what they preach regarding automation. So join us today as we dive into the world of learning journeys for testers and discover how they can revolutionize your approach to automation.

Welcome to the TestGuild Automation Podcast! In this episode, host Joe Colantonio is joined by automation experts Lee Walsh and Michael Palotas to discuss the fascinating world of secure automation testing at scale, leveraging the power of Sbox. Michael, the Head of Product at Element 34, brings his wealth of experience from companies like eBay and Intel, while Lee, the Director of Customer Success at Element 34, adds his expertise from his time at BrowserStack.Throughout the conversation, the guests explore the importance of security and compliance in automation testing, the benefits and challenges of using different test tools like Selenium and Playwright, and the considerations enterprises must consider when choosing an automation solution. They also dive into the features and advantages of Sbox, Element 34's flagship product, including its ability to run tests within the customer's firewall, ensuring data privacy. Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful automation testing at scale and gain insights from industry leaders who have experienced firsthand challenges and triumphs. Let's dive in and discover the fantastic world of secure automation testing with Sbox! See a demo for yourself now: https://links.testguild.com/sbox

Welcome to the TestGuild Automation Podcast! In this episode titled "Ben Creating Processes to Enable Quality Automation," our host Joe Colantonio sits down with Ben Oconis, the head of QA at Storyblocks. Join us as Ben reflects on his journey in developing tools for observability and shares valuable insights into promoting quality throughout the organization. Ben sheds light on his challenges, from experiencing both an excess and a lack of tools at different times to prioritizing data and observability to understand and address issues. Throughout the episode, Ben emphasizes the importance of proactive monitoring, retroactive analysis, and having conversations with customers to understand their behavior and make necessary adjustments. He shares how his direct relationship with the research team ensures that implemented features are based on customer wants and needs. Additionally, Ben delves into the significance of collaboration, effective testing strategies, and using the right tools for the job. This episode is a must-listen if you want to optimize your automation processes and enhance overall product quality. So tune in as Joe and Ben dive deep into the world of QA and share invaluable insights to help you succeed in automation. Let's get started!

Welcome back to the TestGuild Automation Podcast! In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with our special guest, Jonathon Wright. Jonathon is a renowned test automation expert and the Chief Technology Evangelist at Keysight Technologies. In this episode, Jonathon dives deep into the world of test automation, tackling the challenges of getting started with test automation and scaling. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of moving beyond just having test scripts and instead focusing on business-oriented metrics and software quality assurance. He discusses the shift towards a build-versus-buy approach and the need for software vendors to demonstrate maturity and quality engineering. Jonathon also introduces the concept of "Assurity" as a model for software assurance, with quality being the top priority. Throughout the episode, Jonathon touches on various topics, such as leveraging automation to overcome manual testing challenges, the advancements in tools and their impact on the testing industry, the role of large language models in automation testing, and the future of automation and testing. Join us as we explore these critical insights and gain actionable advice from Jonathan on how to navigate the evolving landscape of test automation. Plus, take advantage of his upcoming webinar on The Roadmap to Zero Manual Testing: Leveraging Automation. You can register for the webinar at testguild.com/key. So, grab your headphones and prepare for an enlightening episode filled with valuable insights and practical advice. Let's dive in!

In this episode, discover how to unlock test automation success focusing on six areas every automation engineer needs to master. Listen in as we explore six critical areas of test automation to learn a unique scorecard method to evaluate and improve your tests. What's your score? You can find out now at https://testguild.com/score. You can also apply these concepts to your automation test regardless of what tools you are using. Whether you're a novice just dipping your toes into the world of automation testing or an experienced tester looking to level up, this episode is invaluable. Listen in to take advantage of this opportunity to streamline your testing process and elevate your software quality. Also, if you haven't already 📚 get my News Automation Awesomeness Book Now: https://testguild.com/automationbook/

On this episode of the TestGuild Automation Podcast, host Joe Colantonio sits down with Harry Rao, the innovative Founder, and CEO of TestGrid, a company redefining the future of software testing. TestGrid, a unique, end-to-end platform, offers an array of testing services, including mobile app, cross-browser, performance, and API testing, all streamlined under one roof. Their groundbreaking approach centers on codeless automation capabilities, saving time, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Throughout the podcast, Harry highlights the transformative role of AI in the testing landscape. Notably, TestGrid's AI system expedites the process of writing test cases, potentially trimming the timeline from hours to mere minutes or seconds. By training AI to integrate user-written test cases and generate script lists, TestGrid showcases its advanced capabilities, underlining the system's self-healing feature, which uses machine learning to identify and correct missed elements. One of the highlights of the podcast is a case study featuring an insurance solution provider who experienced significant cost reductions and return on investment by utilizing TestGrid's comprehensive services. This episode offers a glimpse into how TestGrid, with its innovative approach and advanced technology, serves a diverse range of customers, from SMBs to large enterprises, leading the way to a more efficient future for software testing. Check it our for yourself! TestGuilders get a special discount when the sign up https://links.testguild.com/5HxHw and use the code TESTGUILD20

In this episode of the TestGuild Automation Podcast, host Joe Colantonio and guest Todd McNeal co-founder of Reflect, an AI-assisted test automation platform. Delve into the revolutionary features of Reflect, an all-encompassing automation tool. They discuss how Reflect, utilizing AI, enhances onboarding processes and resolves selector issues in automation. The conversation covers the tool's capabilities, including adding assertions, enabling independent actions, and validating input steps. They also discuss the importance of visual validation and the integration of chatbot, GPT, and AI technologies for creating resilient tests. The episode underscores Reflect's unique offering of pairing API calls with UI calls, simplifying automation processes, and facilitating quick, maintainable test creation. To see a real-world example of generative ai in action, register for our webinar on July 25 on Building Automated Tests Using Generative AI. Register now => https://testguild.com/webinar-building-automated-tests-using-generative-ai/

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of machine learning and its intersection with automation testing. In this episode, Toni Ramchandani, a self-described technocrat with over 13 years of experience, shares insights from recent articles covering current technological trends like AI, ML, Blockchain, Databricks, Azure, and IoT. Discover the importance of understanding the terms and concepts of machine learning, the need to stay updated with new AI tools and technologies, and the importance of testing AI and ensuring its reliability before implementation. Listen to this thought-provoking episode as we explore the fascinating world of machine learning and its impact on automation testing. Don't miss out on valuable insights and practical advice from an experienced engineer in the industry.

With the Fourth of July week upon us in the United States, it would be fitting to showcase what represents the best of America. In this episode, we start with Kuzzat Altay's story of his arrival in the United States as a refugee in 2008, equipped with no knowledge of English and few contacts. He shares how he taught himself programming and automation testing, eventually founding a successful training company, Cydeo. We also explore the possibility of becoming an SDET without coding experience or a college degree. Discover how to set career goals to stay ahead and get inspired by a genuinely American story. Listen now. Kuzzat will join us at the TestGuild for a complimentary special training webinar on July 13th, which will cover 'How to Become a Java SDET, with ZERO Coding Experience or a College Degree.' Don't miss out – register now: https://testguild.com/webinar-learn-to-become-java-sdet/"

On this episode of TestGuild Automation Podcast, host Joe Colantonio talks with Mush Honda, the Chief Quality Architect at Katalon, about AI-powered tools in software testing. They discuss Katalon, an AI-augmented test automation platform, and how AI can optimize and enhance the humanistic process of software delivery without replacing human testers. The episode covers Katalon's Studios features like Self-Healing, Test Failure Analysis, Autonomous Script Generation, and more, all of which use ML models to generate automation code based on typed scenarios, making test scripts more streamlined and readable. Mush also highlights the benefits of autonomous test generation, enabling developers to focus on new feature development while AI takes care of regression testing. The episode ends with a call to embrace change and use AI to streamline work, not replace testers. For more info on Katalon, check out their free trial now: https://links.testguild.com/pnG5y

On this episode of TestGuild Automation Podcast, we have a special guest, David Burns, the W3C Browser Testing and Tools Working Group chairman and co-editor of the Web Driver Specification. In this episode, you will learn about the latest Nightwatchjs features. Also, you will gain insights into the significance of standardized technologies like JavaScript and why interoperability is vital for testing on different platforms. Additionally, the podcast provides exclusive information about Nightwatch and its features like component testing, plugins for visual regression testing, and API and unit testing capabilities. The episode also covers topics like BrowserStack, continuous integration, Selenium, Nightwatch Inspector, and Visual Studio Code. Tune in to learn more about the world of automation and how Nightwatch can help you achieve your automation goals.

In this episode, folks like Simon Stewart, Corina Pip, Paul Grossman, Igor Dorovskikh, Noemi Ferrera, Srinivasan Sekar, Sai Krishna, Emily Kjos, Andy Knight, Titus Fortner, Robin Gupta, Benjamin Bischoff, Manoj Kumar Kumar and more share what Selenium means to them. Also, get some insights into my new book Automation Awesomeness: 260 actionable affirmations to Improve your QA and automation testing skills and why you need to get yourself and your team some copies now: https://testguild.com/getbook

If you'd like to accelerate your test execution & maintenance speed — and massively reduce flakiness, I've got some excellent news for you. On this episode of TestGuild Automation Podcast, Adam Carmi Co-founder and CTO at Applitools, joins us to discuss new automation testing self-healing technology that is a giant leap forward in test infrastructure innovation. Adam goes over how this new cloud-based testing platform replaces legacy testing grids — easily augmenting open-source test frameworks with AI capabilities (like self-healing locators). Discover how you and your teams can intelligently heal broken tests as they run — drastically reducing flakiness and execution time. Lastly, the episode touches on the rise of AI in the testing industry and how testers and people in the testing community have a bright future. Tune in for a plethora of insights and tips on test automation.

Want to know how to deliver software that does what it’s supposed to do? In this episode, John Ferguson Smart, author of the book BDD in Action, shares how to use Behavior-Driven Development to guide your software projects to success with collaboration, communication techniques, and concrete requirements you can turn into automated tests. Discover how BDD positively affects teamwork, dynamics, and stakeholder collaboration to help teams discover and analyze needs, uncover assumptions, reduce risks, make acceptance, integration, and unit testing more effective, automate reporting and living documentation to improve transparency, and much more. Listen up!

On this episode of TestGuild Automation Podcast, guest speaker Geetha Achutuni joins host Joe Colantonio to share her ten tips on reducing test execution times. Among the tips she discusses are smart weights for consistency across applications, the advantages of using APIs instead of UI interactions, and the importance of proper data structures for code optimization. Githa also emphasizes the need for teams to check their code for validity periodically and to avoid creating new browser sessions or launching new browsers for every scenario. Discover how to achieve more testing with less waiting - listen up.