LogiGear predicts that the following trends will be worth keeping an eye on in 2018:
1. Blockchain
Blockchain technology has the potential to be disruptive and is going to be in high demand as this becomes more popular.
Testing Blockchain applications requires a solid understanding about core concepts such as decentralized applications, public/private ledgers, smart contracts, proof of work/stake, etc. to start. One would also have to have domain knowledge of how the critical issues such as such as security, regulatory & compliances are dealt with in enterprise applications. Companies will have to have a new set of technical skills like testing smart contracts at the API level, or building ‘testnet’ to securely and safely test decentralized applications.
2. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
While it’s still in it’s infancy, Test teams need to start thinking about an effective testing strategy for VR/AR. Testing VR/AR has two components — a physical device coupled with a digital experience. Some of the challenges are going to be starting out with a very heavy manual testing on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop browsers.
Test teams will have to be keener on testing the user experience since it is supposed to be an immersive experience. And since this type of testing require users to be more active one can imagine issues test teams have previously not dealt with before arising.
Think: mental fatigue, eye strain other physical discomfort to name a few.
3. Artificial Intelligence
There is much heated debate about whether AI will replace the need for testers and testing. The idea that a company can ‘automatically’ replace its testing staff, or that the code can still ‘fix itself’ still seems out of reach. AI is still in its early stages, but expect to see AI adoption grow in 2018 (and beyond). Most AI testing strategies are still primitive — most are a method of combinatorial or has some dependency on the machine/system having an algorithm that allows for predictive ability.
4. Voice App Testing
More testers are becoming interested in finding a solution on how to do voice-app testing, as companies figure out how to integrate their products with virtual assistants, expect to see increased demand for tools that have the ability to test on this platform.
5. DevOps
Rounding out the list is DevOps. As more firms embark on their DevOps Journey, one trend is emerging. DevOps has acknowledged the importance of testing. Most testers still have crucial app/domain knowledge that can’t be done without, Another trend seen in DevOps this year is that architecture is becoming an increasingly huge factor in DevOps transformation, and communities are sprouting up around tools, most notably Docker, we expect to see this grow in 2018.
As our world continues its digital transformation with the advancement of so many technologies — 2018 promises to be a year that further transforms the way we work. We must be ready to adapt and grow. We hope that these trends will help you direct and plan where your testing should be headed in the New Year.
