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AI-powered e2e testing: Getting started with Shortest

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Shortest:

Shortest is an open-source AI-powered testing library built on Playwright that simplifies the testing process, making it accessible to non-technical users. Key features include natural language testing, advanced workflow chaining, API testing, GitHub integration, and ease of use with quick project setup.

Testim:

Testim by Tricentis is a testing platform that accelerates test creation and maintenance for web and mobile apps. It offers AI-powered stabilizers for adapting tests to UI changes, low-code authoring, scalability for running thousands of tests, and seamless CI/CD integration.

Mabl:

Mabl is an AI-based test automation platform that supports web, mobile, and API testing. It offers intuitive AI for quick test creation, comprehensive testing including functional, performance, and accessibility, performance insights, and team collaboration through CI/CD tools and platforms like Slack.

Functionize:

Functionize is a high-end testing platform using machine learning and computer vision for functional, performance, and visual testing. Its features include self-healing tests, visual AI for accurate element recognition, parallel testing on multiple browsers/devices, and root cause analysis for debugging complex systems.

Comparing AI-powered testing tools

  • Core Technology:

    • Shortest: AI-powered (Anthropic Claude API), built on Playwright
    • Testim: Machine Learning (Smart Locators), Cloud-based
    • Mabl: AI-native, low-code, uses ML and computer vision
    • Functionize: AI and ML with NLP and computer vision, cloud-based

  • Test Creation:

    • Shortest: Natural language descriptions
    • Testim: Record-and-replay, low-code visual editor
    • Mabl: Low-code, AI-powered action words, visual recorder
    • Functionize: NLP for scriptless tests, visual test editor

  • Ease of Use:

    • Shortest: High, minimal setup with shortest init
    • Testim: High, codeless for non-technical users, intuitive UI
    • Mabl: High, codeless focus, accessible for beginners
    • Functionize: Moderate, scriptless but may require learning for advanced features

  • Self-healing tests:

    • Shortest: Limited, relies on AI to adapt to minor changes
    • Testim: Yes, smart locators auto-update element references
    • Mabl: Yes, auto-heals tests for UI/data changes
    • Functionize: Yes, strong self-healing with ML-driven updates

  • Supported Test Types:

    • Shortest: Functional, API, UI, GitHub 2FA authentication
    • Testim: Functional, UI, mobile (web/native), visual testing
    • Mabl: Functional, performance, accessibility, API, visual regression
    • Functionize: Functional, performance, load, visual, API

  • Integration:

    • Shortest: GitHub, Mailosaur, basic CI/CD support
    • Testim: CI/CD (Jenkins, Azure DevOps), Jira, Slack, Tricentis Device Cloud
    • Mabl: CI/CD (GitHub, Azure, Bitbucket), Postman, Slack
    • Functionize: CI/CD (Jenkins, GitLab), third-party apps via API Explorer

  • Cross-browser/Device Support:

    • Shortest: Playwright-based, supports multiple browsers
    • Testim: Real browsers, iOS/Android native apps
    • Mabl: Web, mobile, cross-browser/devices
    • Functionize: Extensive browser/device coverage, parallel testing

  • Pricing Model:

    • Shortest: Open source and depends on Anthropic API usage
    • Testim: Free tier, Essentials/Pro plans, custom pricing
    • Mabl: Pay-as-you-go, subscription plans, custom pricing
    • Functionize: Custom pricing, potentially high for small teams

  • Learning Curve:

    • Shortest: Low, natural language reduces technical barriers
    • Testim: Low, codeless options, moderate for coded enhancements
    • Mabl: Low, intuitive GUI, low-code approach
    • Functionize: Moderate, advanced features require familiarity

  • Scalability:

    • Shortest: Moderate, suitable for small to medium projects, API dependency
    • Testim: High, scales for agile teams, parallel testing
    • Mabl: High, cloud-based, scales for continuous testing
    • Functionize: High, enterprise-grade, supports large-scale parallel testing

  • Unique Strength:

    • Shortest: Natural language simplicity, GitHub 2FA support
    • Testim: Smart Locators for flaky test reduction
    • Mabl: Comprehensive testing and performance insights
    • Functionize: Self-healing tests and visual AI for accurate recognition

This comparison provides a comprehensive overview of AI-powered testing tools, highlighting their key features, strengths, and suitability for different testing needs.