AutomationSTAR Speaker Interview: My Eureka Moment, Advice for Testers & More

 

AutomationSTAR 2023 speaker Geosley Andrades shares his thoughts on test automation practices, and gives an insight into what you can expect at his talk, ‘Unlock New Possibilities in Test Automation with ChatGPT’.

1. How did you get into testing?

I embarked on my journey in the field of testing under somewhat serendipitous circumstances. Initially, I entered the realm of IT as a .NET developer. However, the year 2008 brought with it a challenging wave of economic recession, which prompted me to make a strategic career choice. It was during this pivotal moment that I decided to delve into the world of testing. Over the years, I have not only embraced this profession wholeheartedly but have also found immense passion and fulfillment in the journey it has offered me

2. What was your Test Automation Eureka moment?

As a relative newcomer to the field with just one year of experience, I was entrusted with the task of building my first test automation framework from scratch. To my astonishment, this framework not only benefited my team but was also adopted as the preferred choice across other teams within my organization. This transformative experience ignited my deep passion for test automation and set me on a course of continuous growth and innovation in the field.

3. If you had the power to change one widely accepted practice in testing, what would it be, and why do you think it needs to change?

I would advocate for a shift from primarily UI testing towards a more comprehensive approach, encompassing deeper layers like APIs, databases, and integrated systems. This change is necessary because, in many organizations, testing often remains superficial, focusing only on the UI, leaving underlying issues undiscovered until later stages.

4. Some argue that traditional testing methods are obsolete in the age of Automation. Do you believe there’s still value in manual testing, or is it a dying practice?

There is undoubtedly enduring value in human-driven exploratory testing, and I firmly believe that it is far from a dying practice. While automation tools have advanced significantly and streamlined many testing processes, they lack the critical element of human judgment, intuition, and creativity. Unlike tools, humans possess the cognitive capacity to evaluate, recognize patterns, make nuanced decisions, think critically, interpret results, observe subtle issues, and adapt to evolving scenarios. As a result, human-driven exploratory testing remains a vital component of the testing landscape, complementing Automation and AI-driven techniques. It ensures the discovery of complex and context-specific defects that can be challenging for tools to identify.

5. What can attendees expect to gain from your presentation or workshop at the AutomationSTAR conference?

As AI’s prominence continues to grow, it’s a consensus that AI won’t replace testers, but testers who harness AI’s power definitely will. In my presentation, we will embark on a journey to uncover innovative approaches through which ChatGPT (Generative AI) can empower testers and augment their skill set. Furthermore, I will delve into the significance of educating ourselves about this Generative AI technology and adopting it as an invaluable tool, reframing it from a perceived threat. The moment has arrived for us to embrace AI and redirect our focus toward the facets of our roles that deliver the most value.

6. What’s the biggest message you have for AutomationSTAR Attendees?

With its dedicated focus on Automation, AutomationSTAR offers a unique opportunity for everyone in the testing community. Featuring an array of automation-related topics presented by world-class speakers, the conference promises a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities. As a speaker myself, I’m eagerly anticipating not only sharing insights but also learning and connecting with the automation community. I encourage all of you to participate in this celebration of our craft and leverage this event to propel your test automation careers to new heights. See you there!

Source: EuroSTAR Conference