Generative AI

in Software Testing
Trends and Predictions 2024

Generative AI refers to the use of machine learning algorithms to generate new data or
content that mimics human-created data. In software testing, generative AI can be used
to generate test cases, data sets, and even code automatically. This technology has the
potential to significantly speed up the testing process while improving its accuracy.

Generative AI stands out for its ability to create new content. Unlike traditional AI models
that follow preset commands, generative AI utilizes data-driven learning to generate
completely original outputs. It’s not a passing trend: this form of AI is transforming
different industries by providing innovative solutions to complex problems.

As we look towards the future, it is clear that generative AI will continue to shape the
landscape of software testing. With that in mind, here are some trends and predictions for
the role of generative AI in software testing for 2024.

Generative AI in a Nutshell
Before jumping into the trends and predictions, let’s take a closer look at what generative
AI is and how it works.

At its core, generative AI functions as an intelligent creator. It involves training algorithms

on large data sets to learn patterns and generate new data that fits those patterns. This
process is typically powered by deep learning techniques such as neural networks, which
require large amounts of training data to be effective. As the amount of available training
data continues to grow, so will the capabilities and accuracy of generative AI.

Generative AI absorbs and processes information to develop the ability to generate fresh
and diverse outputs, ranging from text and images to complete software applications. This
versatility is what makes generative AI an invaluable tool across numerous fields - one that
fosters creativity and brings about a new level of problem-solving.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1

Healthcare:
One of the major applications of generative AI in software testing is in healthcare. With
the increasing use of electronic health records and medical devices, there is a growing
need for thorough and accurate testing to ensure patient safety. Generative AI can
be used to generate realistic data sets that simulate various medical conditions and
scenarios, allowing for more comprehensive testing of software systems. In healthcare,
generative AI is used to analyze medical images, discover new drugs, and make
personalized medicine. It can also generate data to train computer programs, helping
make medical diagnoses more accurate.

Finance:
In the financial industry, generative AI can be used to generate realistic market
data and simulate different economic conditions. This can be valuable for testing
financial software systems, which must perform accurately and reliably in a constantly
changing market. Generative AI can also be used to identify patterns and trends in
financial data, providing insights that can help inform decision making. In finance,
generative AI is helping with risk analysis, spotting fraud, and making computerized
trading decisions.

Design and Manufacturing:

Generative AI can also be applied in the design and manufacturing of products.
It can create new designs that meet specific criteria or requirements by analyzing
existing designs and patterns. This has the potential to greatly improve efficiency and
innovation in product development processes. Generative AI is able to make lots of
different design options automatically, which speeds up how things are made and
encourages new and innovative designs. Generative AI can also be used to simulate
various production scenarios and identify potential flaws or issues before they arise in
the actual manufacturing process. This can save time and resources in the production
stage, leading to more efficient and cost-effective processes.

Talking with Computers:

Generative AI makes computers better at understanding and using language.
Chatbots are getting better at having conversations and figuring out what people
want. Generative AI can help improve their ability to understand and respond to
human language by generating more natural and realistic responses. This has
the potential to greatly enhance customer service and communication in various
industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Moreover, generative AI can also
be used for translation purposes. It can generate text in different languages, which

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2

 means that it can assist with language translation services and bridge communication
barriers between different cultures and languages.

Testing Software:
In software testing, generative AI is a game-changer. It helps find problems and report
them faster, making sure computer programs work well without taking up too much
time. It can generate test cases and scenarios that cover a wide range of possible
inputs, helping to identify potential bugs or errors in the code. This can greatly improve
the quality and reliability of software systems. Furthermore, generative AI can also be
used to automate the testing process, reducing the need for manual testing which is
time-consuming and prone to human error. This leads to faster development cycles
and quicker deployment of software products, ultimately benefiting both developers
and end-users.

The implications of generative AI in software testing have grabbed the attention of many
companies and software leaders. To understand its value and how it revolutionizes this
field, let’s go back to the historical development of software testing.

The Evolution of QA Testing

QA testing has evolved significantly with technology changes. It started with manual
testing, where testers checked software for bugs, but it was time-consuming and prone
to errors.

Then came scripted automation, a big step for efficiency. Testers could use scripts to
create repeatable test scenarios, saving time, yet maintaining and crafting scripts had
challenges. Scripts had to be maintained as the software’s code changed, leading to
heavily manual efforts. Keeping up with rapid development cycles was still a challenge and
testers needed another efficient solution.

Data-driven testing emerged to diversify scenarios, but it still needed a lot of manual
input and struggled with adapting to new
situations.

The real change came with Generative AI,

and we can safely say that this marks the QA
Revolution. Generative AI is able to go beyond
the existing data and apply autonomous learning
techniques, creating new tests and adapting
to situations with minimal human intervention.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3

Using advanced language models, it autonomously creates valuable test cases, reducing
the need for human intervention and revolutionizing testing.

Generative AI is transforming software quality assurance, eliminating manual effort

and accelerating delivery of high-quality applications in an ever-evolving technological
landscape. It’s helping testers keep up with the pace of change while providing deeper
coverage than ever before.

How is Generative AI used in Software Testing?

Generative AI in software testing refers to the use of artificial intelligence, specifically
generative models, to autonomously create and generate various elements related to
the testing process. In the context of software quality assurance (SQA), generative AI can
produce test cases, data sets, or even execute tests without explicit human instructions.

Unlike traditional testing methods that rely

heavily on manual effort or pre-defined scripts,
generative AI leverages advanced algorithms,
often based on machine learning models, to
understand the structure and requirements
of the software being tested. It can then
dynamically generate relevant test scenarios,
adapt to changes in the software, and discover
potential issues that might not be apparent
through conventional testing approaches.

Generative AI can also be used to simulate

user behavior and workloads, allowing for
more comprehensive testing efforts. This
can help developers better understand how
their software might behave in unexpected
scenarios, such as when multiple users
are simultaneously accessing the system.
Generative AI-based testing enables
organizations to create more reliable and
robust applications. This makes it easier for
them to achieve their desired quality goals
while also reducing the associated costs.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4

2023 Highlights: Generative AI in Testing
2023 revealed a paradigm shift in testing as generative AI increasingly became a
cornerstone of testing methodologies.

Autonomous Test Case Generation

One prominent trend was the rise of autonomous test case generation, where advanced
generative models demonstrated their ability to create test scenarios with minimal human
intervention. This accelerated the testing process and enhanced coverage by dynamically
adapting to the evolving nature of software. This development has also paved the way for
entirely autonomous testing in the future, where AI systems can continuously test and
monitor software performance without human involvement.

Autonomous Testing
with Functionize’s TestGPT
A standout innovation for autonomous testing is Functionize’s
TestGPT. This functionality marks a significant leap in autonomous
test generation using AI. Built upon a large transformer model,
TestGPT is uniquely seeded with data to adeptly learn test case
structures and HTML type patterns. Its primary function is to
autonomously generate test cases, drawing from the learned
patterns and user behavior insights. This approach not only
streamlines the test creation process but also introduces one of the
industry’s most advanced methodologies for generating test cases.
As a result, it significantly reduces the time and effort traditionally
required in manual test creation, heralding a new era in software
testing efficiency.

Predictive Testing
Furthermore, generative AI demonstrated remarkable strides in predictive testing,
leveraging historical data and patterns to anticipate potential issues before they could
impact the tests or software. This predictive capability not only improved the efficiency of
testing but also contributed to more proactive bug resolution.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 5

 TestAGENT for
Predictive Testing
Functionize introduces TestAGENT, an innovative feature designed to
address issues that the AI does not automatically correct or
self-heal. TestAssist harnesses machine learning to identify
failed tests within the Functionize platform and proactively
suggests potential issues or fixes. This tool operates by
recognizing patterns in test failures and offering solutions that
can be directly applied during the testing process. Its primary use is
in addressing and resolving issues in tests that have failed, enabling users
to quickly implement the suggested fixes without manual intervention. The
introduction of TestAGENT has significantly reduced the number of broken tests
and the time and effort required for troubleshooting and fixing them. TestAssist
provides immediate solutions, so it streamlines the testing process and enhances
the overall efficiency of test maintenance, further advancing the field of AI-driven
software testing.

Integration with DevOps

The integration of generative AI with DevOps practices was another highlight. DevOps
focuses on streamlining software development and delivery through automation,
collaboration, and continuous testing. Generative AI aligned perfectly with these principles
by automating test case generation, collaborating with developers to identify critical areas
of code for testing, and continuously testing throughout the development process.

Explainable AI
The year 2023 also marked advancements in explainable AI within the context of
generative testing. As AI systems continue to play a more significant role in testing, there
is a growing need for transparency and interpretability. Explainable AI techniques provide
insights into the decision-making processes of generative models, making it easier for
testers to understand and trust the generated test cases. This increased transparency in
understanding how generative models make decisions helps address concerns related
to trust and interpretability in AI-driven testing. Explainable AI not only improves the
effectiveness of generative testing but also addresses ethical concerns surrounding the
use of AI in software testing.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6

Extension Generators
Another significant development in the field of
generative testing was the creation of extensions
generators. These customized, specialized tools
allowed for the generation of test cases tailored
to specific types of software, such as web
applications or mobile apps.

Introducing Functionize Extension and Expression Generators

Extension Generator Expression Generator

Function: Generates extension code for specific Function: Enables users to create expressions for
tasks. use in their tests.
How it works: Accepts user queries and How it works: Offers a graphical interface for easy
generates relevant extension code. creation and management of expressions.
Usage: Users can get custom code snippets for Usage: Users can craft and customize expressions,
specific testing scenarios. which are integral parts of tests, and save them for
future use.
Examples:
• Generating code to simulate user actions, Examples:
such as clicking buttons or filling out forms. • Creating expressions to validate input fields, e.g.

• Manipulating runtime input values,

expressions, uploaded and downloaded files,
checking for required fields or matching specific
formats.
and screenshots. • Using expressions to generate random data for

• Searching for a specific element on a testing field validation and boundary conditions
webpage and generating code to verify its
presence or absence.
• Using double curly brackets to encase executable
JavaScript code.

• Creating automated tests for different screen

sizes and devices by generating responsive
• Using
test.
Expressions in place of custom input in a

design code snippets.

• Expressions can also be used in a VerifyVariable
• Handling TDM data and Orchestration
information.
Action, a Selector Override, a Pre- or Post-Script
code for a test, or a Verification Override.

How does it improve testing? How does it improve testing?

Speeds up the process of writing custom Streamlines the process of expression creation,
extensions, making test case creation more increases reusability in test scenarios, allows more
efficient. non-technical users to become proficient quickly.
Testing becomes more user-friendly and efficient!

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 7

Extension generators are a testament to the adaptive and innovative capabilities of
generative AI in software testing - AI easily creates custom code extensions for specific
testing scenarios automatically. This application of AI technology streamlines the software
testing process by understanding and translating user requirements into practical,
executable code. Typically, these extensions can encompass a variety of functions, from
manipulating test data and interfacing with APIs to customizing test environments
and handling complex testing workflows. Advanced algorithms and natural language
processing capabilities allow extension generators to enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of software testing. They also democratize extensions, with users of varying
levels of technical expertise being able to tailor and optimize their testing strategies with
minimal manual effort. With this new capability, generative AI became an even more
versatile and valuable tool for software testing.

Expression Generators
In addition to extension generators, another type of specialized generative testing tool
that emerged in 2023 was expression generators. These tools focused on generating
test cases for complex mathematical and logical expressions, which are often found in
scientific and financial software. Expression generators allow users to craft, customize, and
save expressions for various testing scenarios. This functionality is pivotal in tests where
expressions are used to define logic, manipulate data, or control test flow. For example,
expression generators can be used to test complex algorithms or ensure the accuracy of
financial calculations. Or they can be utilized to identify edge cases and boundary values,
providing thorough and comprehensive test coverage.

Expression generators automate the generation of these types of test cases, which greatly
reduces the burden on testers and allows for more thorough and precise testing in these
specialized fields.

What does 2024 have in store

for Generative AI Testing?
Our Top Trends and Predictions
As generative AI testing continues to evolve and gain
widespread adoption, it is expected to bring about even
more significant changes in the software testing landscape
in 2024.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 8

Here are some trends and predictions for generative AI testing in the upcoming year:

Augmented Intelligent Testing

Generative AI is likely to play a more significant role in augmenting intelligent testing
processes. AI will serve as a valuable assistant, aiding in decision-making, test case design,
and result analysis. For instance, it can provide recommendations on which parts of the
software to test, suggest or automatically create test cases, and quickly analyze test results
to pinpoint issues.

This collaborative approach will improve testing efficiency, allowing human testers to focus
on more complex and critical aspects of testing, while AI handles routine tasks, ultimately
leading to more thorough and reliable software testing. Together, AI and humans will form
a new kind of partnership that leads to powerful productivity and remarkable outcomes.

Enhanced Predictive Testing

In 2024, we can anticipate significant
advancements in generative AI models specifically
tailored for predictive testing. These models will
harness the power of data analysis and machine
learning to go beyond traditional reactive testing
approaches. Using extensive historical data and
recognizing recurring software patterns, these AI
models will have the ability to predict potential
areas of concern before they appear as issues. This
capability opens the door to proactive testing,
which will allow software development teams to
address vulnerabilities and defects preemptively.
This will enhance the overall quality and reliability
of their products.

Shifting from a reactive stance to a proactive one will help organizations minimize the
likelihood of costly post-release defects and disruptions, which means more robust
software systems and increased customer satisfaction.

As these AI models continue to evolve, they will become invaluable tools for software
developers and testers, ensuring that software is thoroughly vetted and resilient even in
the face of evolving requirements and complexities.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 9

Customization for Industry-Specific Testing
In the coming year, we can expect to see generative AI being fine-tuned and customized
to meet the specific testing requirements of different industries. This means that AI
applications in testing will become more adept at addressing the unique challenges faced
by sectors like healthcare, finance, and others.

For instance, in healthcare, generative AI might be tailored to focus on testing medical

software for compliance with industry regulations and patient safety, while in finance, it
could be geared towards ensuring the security and accuracy of financial software systems.

Organizations will tailor generative AI models to industry-specific challenges to better

ensure that their software systems not only meet general quality standards but also
comply with sector-specific regulations and deliver the utmost performance and security,
which is particularly critical in fields like healthcare and finance.

Increased Use of
Cloud-Based Generative AI
The use of cloud-based generative AI will see a
significant rise in the coming years. This is due to
the many benefits it offers, such as scalability, cost-
effectiveness, and accessibility.

With cloud-based solutions, organizations can

easily access and utilize generative AI tools without
investing in expensive infrastructure or resources.
It also allows for more collaboration and flexibility,
making it an attractive option for teams working
remotely. Additionally, cloud-based generative AI
allows for faster and more frequent updates and
improvements to the tools, keeping them up-to-date
with the latest advancements in technology. These
benefits mean that cloud-based generative AI offers
the unique ability to generate high-quality results
with minimal human input. This makes it a preferred
approach for any business that wants to stay ahead of
its competition in terms of product development and
innovation.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 10

Collaboration Between Testers & Developers
Generative AI testing will also facilitate better collaboration between testers and
developers. With the ability to automatically generate test cases, developers can quickly
identify and fix bugs, leading to a more streamlined development process. Automating
test case generation will help testers allocate more time to essential tasks, while
developers can leverage the generated tests as benchmarks to enhance code quality. This
synergy will result in a more streamlined and effective software development process.

Traditional collaboration approaches and integrations have limitations when it comes

to the systematic generation of test cases. Tools like Jira, TestRail, and Zephyr excel at
tracking test results but are not specifically designed for this purpose. On the other
hand, generative AI testing solutions seamlessly integrate with these popular tools. This
integration empowers teams to effortlessly create, track, and manage AI-generated tests
within their existing workflow.

In addition to improving collaboration, generative AI-powered software testing enhances

test coverage, reduces human error, and accelerates the overall testing process. As
this technology continues to evolve, it will further bridge the gap between testers and
developers, paving the way for more efficient and reliable software development practices.

Enhanced Reporting and Real-Time Analytics

Generative AI can drastically improve the reporting mechanisms in software testing.
Traditional methods often involve manual compilation of data and generation of reports,
which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. With generative AI, we can
automate the creation of comprehensive, detailed reports. These AI-driven reports can
include not just statistics and results, but also predictive analytics, trend analysis, and
intelligent insights.

For example, after a test run, a generative AI system could automatically generate a report
detailing not only the number of passed and failed tests but also provide an in-depth
analysis of failure patterns, potential causes, and even suggestions for priority areas in
future testing cycles. This approach turns raw data into actionable intelligence, enabling
teams to make informed decisions quickly.

With richer data and deeper insights, teams can work faster and smarter. Generative AI
technology will further enable data-driven decision-making that is informed, consistent,
and accurate. This improved agility opens up a world of opportunities for businesses to
gain a competitive edge and make better use of their resources.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 11

Autonomous Model Generation
The evolution of machine learning models towards self-construction and self-improvement
is advancing rapidly. This aspect of AI, often referred to as “automated machine learning”
(AutoML), is poised to transform how we approach the development and optimization of
machine learning models. It will allow teams to generate and optimize machine learning
models quickly and accurately.

Autonomous model generation reduces the need for manual coding and data
engineering, allowing teams to focus on higher-level tasks such as integration with existing
systems or developing custom applications.

Generative AI testing is also evolving towards autonomous model generation. With

AutoML and generative AI testing combined, teams can automatically generate and
optimize test cases based on the data and code of their software. This automation not
only saves time but also ensures that no critical paths or edge cases are overlooked during
testing.

As these machine learning models continue to learn from the data and adapt to
changing software code, generative AI testing will be able to also update its test scenarios
accordingly, resulting in more accurate and efficient testing.

Self-Building Models
Machine learning models can build themselves
- and this is done by automating the model
development process. Traditionally, this process
requires human expertise to select algorithms, set
parameters, and choose the right data processing
techniques. AutoML aims to automate these
steps, allowing the system to evaluate and select
the most effective algorithms and parameters
based on the given data. AutoML helps developers
produce more accurate models in a fraction of the
time.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Future machine learning models will not only build
themselves but will also continuously learn and
adapt over time. This involves models being able

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 12

to update themselves in response to new data or changing environments without human
intervention. This is a critical factor for maintaining the relevance and accuracy of models
in dynamic scenarios like software testing. In the future, machine learning models may be
able to learn and adapt as quickly as the environment they are operating in. This could lead
to greater efficiency and reliability of automated systems.

Streamlined & Highly Accurate Defect Tracking

Defect tracking is another area where generative AI is expected to bring about
transformative changes. AI can not only identify defects but also categorize them based
on severity, likelihood of recurrence, and potential impact. This categorization can be
dynamically updated as more data becomes available, providing a constantly evolving and
accurate picture of software health.

With autonomous model generation and generative AI testing, the process of defect
tracking will become more streamlined and accurate. As the models continuously learn
from new data and adapt to changes in code, they can identify potential defects earlier
on in the development cycle. Moreover, with the ability for generative AI testing to
automatically generate test cases based on the updated models and code, any identified
defects can be quickly and accurately tested, leading to faster resolution and improved
software quality.

Improved Root Cause Analysis

Generative AI is poised to enhance root cause analysis in software testing significantly, a
process traditionally marked by time-intensive investigation and manual data correlation.
Generative AI offers advanced pattern recognition and data processing capabilities, which
will help testing teams quickly analyze vast amounts of test data, identifying not just the
symptoms of test failures but also their underlying causes.

For example, when a test fails, generative AI can quickly sift through historical test
data, source code changes, and application logs to detect anomalies and patterns. This
process, which would take humans hours or even days, can be accomplished in minutes,
accelerating the identification of what caused a test to fail.

Further, with the ability to generate new test cases and simulate various scenarios in
a controlled environment, generative AI testing can aid in reproducing and isolating
difficult-to-find defects. This level of specificity makes it easier to pinpoint the root cause of
complex issues and implement effective solutions.

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 13

Incorporating generative AI into root cause analysis will not only streamline the process
but also improve the overall quality of software products. With a more thorough
understanding of potential issues and faster identification of root causes, developers can
create robust and resilient software with fewer bugs and defects.

Generic Model Data vs. Agent Data Sets

One trend that is likely to emerge in 2024 is the use of generic model data and agent data
sets. Generic model data refers to broad, comprehensive datasets that are often used
to train machine learning models on a wide range of topics or tasks. This type of data is
characterized by its diversity and general applicability, making it suitable for foundational
model training. In contrast, agent data sets are meticulously curated to serve specific use
cases, functions, or industry verticals. These datasets are tailored to capture the nuances
and unique requirements of a particular domain, providing a more focused context for the
model to learn from.

While generic model data can be used for a wide range of testing scenarios, it may not
always capture specific edge cases or rare conditions. On the other hand, agent data sets
are more tailored and focused on specific areas of an application, making them better
suited for targeted testing. Going forward, a combination of both types of data sets is
expected to be used for more comprehensive and accurate testing.

Agent Data Sets as a Differentiator for Generative AI Products

Agent data sets excel in generative AI due to their targeted nature. When a data set closely
aligns with a specific use case, the AI model gains a deeper understanding of that domain,
resulting in more relevant and accurate outcomes. This specificity is crucial in fields like
healthcare diagnostics, financial forecasting, or legal document analysis, where precision
and contextual understanding are key.

The effectiveness of a generative AI model is heavily dependent on the quality and

relevance of the data it is trained on. For companies building generative AI products,
having the right agent data sets will be a significant determinant of success.

With agent data sets, companies can ensure that their models are not only trained on
high-quality data but also on data that is highly relevant and tailored to their specific
product goals. This relevance is key to developing models that can not only perform
tasks accurately but also provide insights and outputs that are directly applicable to their
intended context. The ability to accurately model and interpret this data will set apart
successful AI products, as it allows them to go beyond basic machine learning tasks

functionize.com © 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 14

and become true agents that can interact with humans on a meaningful level. Agent
data sets will help companies ensure that their models are equipped with the necessary
understanding of the environment they are interacting in, and as a result will be better
able to infer user intent and improve customer experiences.

Looking Forward
Without question, generative AI in software testing for 2024 (and beyond) promises
transformative advancements in the field.

These developments span various aspects of testing, including enhanced collaboration

between AI and human testers, customization for industry-specific needs, and a
heightened emphasis on ethical testing practices. Generative AI streamlines repetitive
tasks, while self-healing and adaptive test automation empowers testing tools to adapt to
software changes autonomously. Moreover, AI-driven debugging and test analysis offer the
potential to dramatically reduce the time spent identifying and resolving test failures.

Altogether, these trends are set to revolutionize software testing, making it more efficient,
reliable, and enjoyable to be a tester.

The goal of generative AI in software testing is to reduce manual effort and improve
customer experiences. By 2024, we hope to see more teams leveraging the power of
intelligent automation and artificial intelligence technologies to advance their test efforts
further.

Ready to experience cutting-edge Generative AI

in your testing strategies? Functionize is the leader
in the field boasting the largest datasets and most
finely-tuned models – schedule a demo now
to experience the magic.

1-800-826-5051
© 2024 Functionize, Inc. All Rights Reserved.