Software Testing Job Security in the Age of AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are the two hottest buzzwords of our age. Lot of experimentation is going on with AI technologies to create faster and smarter testing architecture that runs and adapts itself automatically to application changes. According to World Quality Report, the most important solution to overcome increasing software testing and QA challenges will be the emerging introduction of machine-based intelligence.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Software Testing

Software testing is gradually undergoing a transition from manual testing to scripted-testing (automation testing) to AI-driven testing. With the introduction of machine-based intelligence, software testing will become faster and better.

There will be a transition in testing roles from software testers to machine learning engineers. In order to build and maintain AI-based test suites, in addition to their testing expertise, software testers should be able to build data science skills and understand how machine learning works.

Despite the Emergence of AI, Software Testers Shouldn’t Fear for Their Jobs

Many people deem Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning as a threat to software testing career. But don’t worry - experts believe otherwise. One of the biggest wrong beliefs about AI is that it is a system on its own. In reality, it is something that humans implemented to a machine in order for it to learn and execute human capabilities.

There is fear that AI and machine learning will eventually replace testing jobs. But this will not be the case. Even today with so many commercial and open-source testing tools available, it’s still impossible to automate each test case, particularly in areas like user interface / usability, recovery, and compatibility. They need to be done manually and manual testing remains part of test strategies.

It’s safe to say that AI and machine learning will not eradicate software testing jobs. The algorithms underlying software will be making decisions based on the data input by machine learning engineers. So there will still be a need for someone with a testing background to input data, train software, analyze the correctness of AI-driven tests and look over the entire process. After all, AI and machine learning could still be subjected to bugs and errors no matter how complex they are.

Machine learning and AI should not be considered as a threat to the security of software testing jobs. Instead, testers should look at it as something that can aid the development of programs and intelligence that can improve the efficiency of their jobs. The transition from scripted-testing (automation testing) to AI-enabled testing is actually an opportunity for software testers to make their job more interesting and profitable.

Don’t be worried that artificial intelligence and machine learning will soon replace testing and QA teams. They are here to help, not replace you. Despite the emergence of AI and machine learning, software testing jobs are still considered as a sustainable job that is here to stay. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this industry, you can find software testing jobs through India’s leading portal for software quality assurance jobs. This website aims to connect employers and employees, thus making your software testing job hunting more convenient.