Automated Testing
Automated testing is a software development practice where tests are written and executed automatically by tools or scripts, rather than manually by humans. It involves creating test cases that verify the functionality, performance, and reliability of software applications, allowing for frequent and consistent validation during development cycles. This methodology helps ensure code quality, detect bugs early, and support continuous integration and deployment processes.
Developers should learn and use automated testing to improve software reliability, reduce manual testing effort, and enable faster release cycles, particularly in agile or DevOps environments. It is essential for regression testing, where existing functionality must be verified after code changes, and for complex systems where manual testing is time-consuming or error-prone. Specific use cases include unit testing for individual components, integration testing for system interactions, and end-to-end testing for full application workflows.