Without a doubt, Quality Assurance has the key importance of a company's products and the popularity of software testing keeps evolving. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the testing lifecycle also grows thanks to the introduction of new, smarter solutions.
The industry is ever-changing, which is why it is important to stay updated on the latest trends.
To offer advanced software testing and QA services to customers, you should always keep an eye on the new trends in different testing procedures and methodologies. In this article collected some of the most anticipated new trends in software testing to help you stay tuned too!
The differences between the software testing trends for 2024 and previous years highlight the evolution and growing complexity of the field. Here are some key distinctions:
Software testing trends for 2024:
1. QAOps and DevOps Integration
Previous Years:
Emphasis was primarily on DevOps, with QA integrated into the development process but not as deeply.
The focus was on collaboration between developers and operational staff to shorten the SDLC.
2024:
QAOps is more defined and recognized as a specific practice within DevOps.
Greater emphasis on continuous testing and QA's involvement throughout the CI/CD pipeline.
QA is now seen as an integral part of each development sprint, with enhanced collaboration among developers, testers, and designers.
2. Hybrid Testing Models
Previous Years:
Automation testing was rapidly gaining traction, with significant advancements in tools and techniques.
Manual testing was often viewed as complementary but less emphasized compared to automation.
2024:
A balanced hybrid approach combining both manual and automated testing is emphasized for comprehensive quality assurance.
Recognition that certain testing types, like exploratory and usability testing, require manual execution.
3. AI and Automation
Previous Years:
Initial implementations of AI in testing, focusing on specific automation tasks like test script generation.
Automation tools were becoming more sophisticated but not yet widely integrated with AI capabilities.
2024:
AI, including Generative AI, is revolutionizing QA by automating broader aspects of the testing lifecycle.
AI is now used for test case and data generation, auto-creation of test scripts, and self-healing, though full autonomy is still in development.
4. Shift-Left and Shift-Right Testing
Previous Years:
Shift-left testing was gaining popularity, integrating testing earlier in the SDLC.
Real-time feedback and continuous improvement practices were starting to be recognized but not widely implemented.
2024:
Both shift-left and shift-right testing are prominent, with real-time feedback in production environments becoming standard practice.
Continuous testing and improvement are integral to mitigating risks and ensuring product quality.
5. Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
Previous Years:
SRE concepts were being introduced but not widely adopted.
Focus was more on traditional monitoring and maintenance practices.
2024:
SRE is now a critical component of DevOps, automating IT infrastructure tasks and enhancing observability and monitoring.
QA teams are increasingly involved in SRE practices to ensure reliability and performance.
6. Cloud and Phygital Testing
Previous Years:
Cloud testing was primarily focused on migration and basic cloud infrastructure validation.
Phygital experiences were emerging but not a major focus.
2024:
Cloud-native testing encompasses a broader range of applications, including diagnostic services, observability, and non-functional testing.
Phygital experiences are a key trend, especially in
retail, requiring advanced QA strategies and capabilities.
7. Connected Devices and IoT Testing
Previous Years:
IoT testing was recognized as important but not yet critical due to the fewer number of connected devices.
Basic testing for connectivity and interoperability was performed.
2024:
The explosion of IoT devices necessitates specialized QA approaches for validating wireless protocols, device firmware, and interoperability.
IoT testing is now a significant industry, with a high growth rate and substantial revenue projections.
8. Security Testing
Previous Years:
Security testing was essential, but the focus was more on traditional vulnerabilities and compliance requirements.
2024:
The increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats and stringent regulations drive the need for advanced security testing.
Focus on securing 5G, IoT ecosystems, integrating security into DevOps pipelines, and cloud security.
9. Performance, Usability, and Accessibility Testing
Previous Years:
Performance testing was essential but often separate from other types of testing.
Usability and accessibility testing were growing concerns, but compliance was less emphasized.
2024:
Integrated approaches to performance, usability, and accessibility testing are necessary to meet complex user needs and regulatory requirements.
Advanced tools and techniques are used to ensure applications are efficient, inclusive, and compliant.
10. Emerging Technologies and Testing Domains
Previous Years:
Initial stages of AR/VR, blockchain, and big data testing with exploratory practices.
2024:
Specialized testing for AR/VR, blockchain, and big data is becoming mainstream.
QA teams are developing expertise in these areas to ensure comprehensive validation and reliability.
Conclusion:
These trends highlight the evolving landscape of software testing in 2024. QA teams must adapt to new technologies and methodologies to ensure the delivery of high-quality software products. Continuous learning, adoption of advanced tools, and a focus on collaboration and integration will be key to staying ahead in the rapidly changing world of software testing.
The main differences in 2024 are the deeper integration of QA into all stages of development, the widespread adoption of AI and advanced automation, the balanced hybrid approach combining manual and automated testing, and the focus on emerging technologies and specialized testing domains. The evolution reflects the increasing complexity of software systems, the need for continuous improvement, and the growing importance of security and regulatory compliance.
