

TestGuild Automation Podcast
Joe Colantonio
TestGuild Automation Podcast (formally Test Talks) is a weekly podcast hosted by Joe Colantonio, which geeks out on all things software test automation. TestGuild Automation covers news found in the testing space, reviews books about automation, and speaks with some of the thought leaders in the test automation field. We'll aim to interview some of today's most successful and inspiring software engineers, and test automation thought leaders.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 8, 2024 • 18min
Discover Future Trends in Automation at Automation Guild
I'm your host, Joe Colantonio, and I am thrilled to bring you some exciting updates today. Guess what? Automation Guild 2025 registration is now officially open! 🚨 Don't miss it! 📲 Register now: https://testguild.com/ag-2025/ 📅 This isn't just another event in software testing and automation; it's a year-long journey packed with actionable tips, tools, techniques, strategies, and mindsets that will help you navigate 2025 with confidence. In today's episode, we'll give you a sneak peek into what makes Automation Guild 25 truly unique. We'll introduce you to some of our incredible speakers, like Jason Arbon, discussing AI's impact on software testing, Anna Patterson on overcoming Cypress test pitfalls, and many more who are set to provide you with invaluable insights. Plus, we'll explain how Automation Guild offers continuous learning opportunities with monthly live training sessions and the innovative Automation Guild Jobot—your personal AI assistant. So, whether you're a seasoned automation pro or just starting out, this episode is jam-packed with information on how to future-proof your career in 2025. Stay with us to glimpse the year-long value Automation Guild 25 has in store for you.

Dec 1, 2024 • 25min
Removing Pain Points in Mobile Test Automation with Daniel Knott
In Today's special session, we are honored to have Daniel Knott, a seasoned expert in mobile testing. Join us as Daniel discusses "Removing the Pain from Mobile Test Automation," a compelling discussion presented at the Automation Guild 2024. Check out App Live https://testguild.me/getapplive Register for Automation Guild 25 now. In this episode, Daniel delves into the current state of the mobile market, discussing staggering statistics and the massive influence of mobile devices on our daily lives. He addresses key challenges in mobile testing, such as fragmentation, hardware and sensor issues, and the intricacies of test automation. Daniel also introduces Maestro, a new, user-friendly tool in the automation space, and demonstrates how to set it up and utilize its features effectively. By the end of this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into choosing the right automation tools and strategies to enhance your mobile testing efforts. So, whether you're a developer, tester, or just someone keen on the latest trends in mobile automation, this episode is packed with practical advice and actionable tips.

Nov 24, 2024 • 29min
AI Impact in Software Testing with Gaurav Mittal
Gaurav Mittal, an expert data science manager with over 18 years in software testing and AI, shares his insights on the evolution from manual to automated testing. He highlights the revolutionary role of AI in enhancing efficiency and collaboration in testing processes. Gaurav discusses the benefits of open-source AI tools like TensorFlow and Keras, the importance of retraining models, and why Playwright outshines Selenium. He also emphasizes AI as a practical assistant, offering actionable tips for integrating AI into automation strategies for improved performance.

Nov 17, 2024 • 39min
Digitial Testing Equals Testing of Digitalized Processes with Tobias Müller
Today, I have a fascinating conversation lined up with Tobias Müller, the visionary founder and CTO of TestrResults.io. In this episode, we'll explore the complexities of test environments and innovative solutions in test automation. Tobias shares insights on handling complex enterprise cross-domain automation testing and practical techniques for streamlining test automation. He also explains why relying solely on code-based methods might be limiting. We'll also discuss the significance of UI versus API testing, dynamic software elements, and the challenge of universal approaches in automation. From the limitations of traditional tools like Selenium and Appium to the promising potential of computer vision techniques and AI integration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to push the boundaries of test automation. Get ready for expert advice, industry anecdotes, and a thoughtful discussion on the future of digital testing. Listen up! 🚨 Register now at https://testguild.me/pjfgdl for Tobias's 30-minute webinar: Digital Testing Applied 💡 on December 5, 2024 🗓️ to optimize test automation 🛠️ and boost software reliability 🚀!

Nov 10, 2024 • 34min
How Generative AI is Elevating Testing Quality in Healthcare with Richard Kedziora
Today, host Joe Colantonio sits down with Richard Kedziora, the co-founder of Estenda Solutions, to delve into the role of generative AI in testing healthcare technology. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare tech, Richard shares his insights on how AI transforms patient outcomes by enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making, and alleviating administrative burdens. In this episode, we explore: The importance of interacting with AI and how it can replace outdated practices. Real-world applications, such as ambient listening and language translation in healthcare. Concerns about AI reliability, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. How AI contributes to better software development and testing. The future of AI in healthcare with emerging technologies like wearables and robotic assistants. Join Joe and Richard as they discuss how leveraging AI can revolutionize healthcare, making it more effective and patient-centered. Don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes, and visit the Test Guild website to join our vibrant community of automation enthusiasts!

Nov 3, 2024 • 39min
AI as Your Testing Assistant with Mudit Singh
Mudit Singh, an AI-driven automation expert from LambdaTest, discusses the revolutionary potential of AI in testing. He introduces the concept of an 'AI testing assistant' that uses natural language to create and manage test scenarios with ease. The conversation covers the persistent challenges in automation and quality engineering, the evolution of testing methodologies, and the innovative features of Kane AI that enhance debugging and test reliability. Mudit offers insights on overcoming flaky tests and emphasizes the importance of user feedback in shaping AI tools.

Oct 28, 2024 • 32min
The Headless Tester (Halloween Special 2024) with Paul Grossman
Welcome to a special Halloween edition of the TestGuild Automation Podcast! Today, we've conjured up a truly spellbinding guest—Paul Grossman, renowned as the "Dark Arts wizard" of Test Automation. With over 25 years in software development and a co-author of "Enhanced Test Automation with WebDriverIo," Paul delves into the magical realms of generative AI and its transformative, exciting role in test automation. Join us as we explore how AI tools like Copilot and Test Rigger simplify tasks, the possibilities and limitations of AI-generated content, and the controversial use of headless browsers. We'll also discuss top-tier tools like BrowserStack Live and Applitools, dynamic page object models, and proper prompting for effective AI outputs. This episode promises to be a hauntingly insightful treat packed with practical tips, industry expertise, and a peek into the future of automation testing. Listen up!

Oct 20, 2024 • 30min
From Chaos to Clarity: Improving Software Testing Practices with Prathyusha Nama
Today's episode, we are thrilled to have Prathyusha Nama, a seasoned leader in automation with over a decade of experience, particularly in mobile automation. Checkout this weeks sponsor BrowserStack App Automate: https://testguild.me/appautomate Prathyusha delves into the recent Microsoft and CrowdStrike incident that brought significant disruption and how it highlights the urgent need for robust testing practices. We'll explore the pitfalls of outsourcing testing, the significance of testing in any industry, and the inability of a single individual to manage it alone. Prathyusha shares insights on contract testing and shift-left and backward compatibility testing, which could help avoid such mishaps. Additionally, she discusses the emotional impact of software failures, the nationwide attention they grab, and the necessity for companies to reevaluate their quality assurance priorities. Prathyusha also reflects on her experiences mentoring tech professionals and their common challenges, such as setting up automation environments and lack of recognition within organizations. We discuss how contract testing can ensure API compatibility across different teams, preventing disastrous deployment failures. Listen in to hear Prathyus discuss essential strategies, such as selective rollouts, comprehensive testing, and a detailed rollback plan.

Oct 13, 2024 • 29min
Combining AI and Playwright using Autify Genesis with Ryo Chikazawa
Ryo Chikazawa, the visionary behind Autify, discusses his groundbreaking AI-driven automation testing solution that integrates with Playwright. He explores how Autify Genesis enhances testing by mixing no-code and code-based approaches. The conversation highlights AI's transformative role in generating adaptable scripts and the importance of user flexibility without vendor lock-in. Ryo also shares insights into community involvement, modern AI advancements, and the seamless integration of tools like Figma and Jira for improved automated testing.

Oct 6, 2024 • 41min
Community Dynamics in Automation Testing with Mike Verinder
In today's episode, we're thrilled to host Mike Verinder, a veteran in the automation testing space and the brain behind some of the most prominent LinkedIn groups and communities for tools like Playwright and Selenium. Mike discusses the intricacies of job engagement in the testing community, managing thriving online groups, and all things related to automation tools. We'll explore Mike's extensive background, which includes managing vast online communities, how to grow them, and the importance of continuous learning in software testing. Whether you're a seasoned tester or just starting, this episode is packed with practical and valuable takeaways to help you stay ahead in your automation testing career. You'll leave here feeling empowered and ready to implement these insights.


