In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the role of software testers is undergoing a significant transformation, heralding the era of intelligent testing. This session, “The Era of Intelligent Testing – Transforming Testers into Skilled SDETs,” delves into this future, exploring how traditional testing roles are evolving into the more dynamic and versatile role of Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs). Drawing from my own experiences, I will share the challenges and opportunities encountered in this journey, offering valuable insights and lessons learned.
We will discuss the transformation journey of test organizations, focusing on strategies that facilitate the shift from traditional testers to skilled SDETs. Emphasizing the importance of shift-left testing and in-sprint automation, we will explore how these practices contribute to early defect detection and continuous quality assurance. Additionally, the session will cover the establishment of a Test Center of Excellence (TCoE) that prioritizes a quality-first approach, essential metrics for effective quality assurance, and the need to unlearn legacy practices while embracing new developmental models. A special focus will be on the integration of Generative AI in testing processes, showcasing how AI-driven tools can enhance test automation, generate test data, and predict potential defects, thereby significantly boosting efficiency and accuracy.
Finally, we will examine the importance of adaptive leadership, discussing how to tailor leadership styles to fit different situations and drive successful outcomes in a dynamic testing environment. Join us for an insightful exploration of the future of testing and practical guidance on fostering a culture of quality and excellence.
Talk Takeaways
Siddhant Wadhwani is a versatile, self-directed leader with nearly a decade of work experience in the IT industry. He works as an Engineering Manager – SDET at Newfold Digital managing 30+ SDETs cross-functionally across multiple geographic locations working on a portfolio of brands, mainly focusing on Test Execution & Automation Excellence.
From design discussions to architecture reviews, shift-left testing to in-sprint automation, adhering to code review guidelines, and focusing on non-functional testing areas, Siddhant has led the way to set the best quality standards! He has played a key role in forming the basis of test management and automation best practices within several projects and working closely with his team to extend those learnings across the organisation. Siddhant has also been recognised as a BrowserStack Champion, taken up the mantle of being a Chapter Lead for the Mumbai Community, and is an active keynote speaker at various technology conferences & events, mostly in association with BrowserStack, The Test Tribe Community, Automation Advocates, WordPress, and many more. He has delivered 50+ talks nationally and internationally on various topics viz. Development, Testing, Automation, DevOps, and Generative AI.
Siddhant has established a strong social presence on LinkedIn with an active following of ~17K followers and was recently recognised by LinkedIn with the Top Voice blue badge. Having attended several WordCamps, contributed to WordPress, featured in the WordPress 6.3 release notes, and delivered an in-person talk at WordCamp Kolkata 2022 and at WordCamp Bengaluru 2024, guess what! It’s been over 12 years that
Siddhant has been officially associated with using WordPress. Above all, he loves attending conferences and networking with like-minded individuals in his spare time. Siddhant loves playing badminton, table tennis, and travelling the globe. The best way to reach him would be via LinkedIn or his portfolio website!
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddhantwadhwani/
Website – https://siddhantwadhwani.com
