Welcome to the very first episode of the Testing Experts with Opinions podcast for 2024 (Part 1) - a dynamic platform for engaging discussions about software testing trends, tools, and technology. This episode highlights a detailed introduction of the Inspired Testing team members and their significant roles, including test architects Stephan Coetzee and Mamatla Rantidi, data testing specialist Mathew Zungu, training-focused head of consulting Jehan Coetzee, and CTO Leon Lodewyks.

Emphasizing the ever-changing software testing landscape, Leon highlights the importance of incorporating new tools and technologies to provide better value to clients. He stresses the need to maintain relevance in the industry through continuous training significantly.

This episode lays particular emphasis on software quality engineering trends for 2024. Stephan leads an intriguing discussion about the role of AI in testing. Explaining AI as a tool that enhances the testing process, he emphasizes that AI aims to address real business challenges, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing accuracy. The team also shares practical advice for testers surrounding AI selection and usage, stressing the need to identify business needs before adopting any AI tool.

While discussing the use of AI, potential concerns about AI learning with private data are brought up. Companies are advised to create an in-house bot to retain control over their sensitive data. The debut episode wraps up with a look into the future, predicting that 2024 will see an increase in API testing due to the growing adoption of microservices architecture and AI integrated applications.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis and speculative overview of software testing's future - challenging traditional thoughts of API testing and ushering in an era where AI plays an integral role.