AI meets Gherkin: Modern test automation in an agile context

How modern tools and methods are revolutionising software quality – a practical report

‘Everything works great!’ – this is often heard at the end of a software project. But then comes the rude awakening: after go-live, the first users report errors that should never have happened. What if we could identify and prevent errors during the development process?

In this blog post, I'll show you how the use of AI and Gherkin takes test automation to a new level – and why this is a real game changer for companies of all sizes.

The problem: Why classic test automation reaches its limits

In many projects, it is difficult to integrate quality assurance consistently and efficiently into the development process. Communication gaps between specialist departments and IT, a lack of synchronisation between test cases and high maintenance costs mean that errors are often only discovered at a late stage – with costly consequences for time and budget. Efficient test automation is essential for ensuring the long-term quality of software, especially in large and complex software projects.

Manual test cases that are translated directly into a test script lead to misunderstandings and increase the workload for everyone involved. The result: limited transparency, poor reporting and, ultimately, frustration within the team. In addition, many teams work with outdated tools that do not enable efficient collaboration and do not meet the requirements of agile development processes.

Gherkin and AI: Efficient test automation through innovative collaboration

The combination of Gherkin and AI is revolutionising test automation by creating a common, understandable language for everyone involved and making the entire testing process more efficient.

Key aspects of the approach

• Common language: Gherkin makes it possible to describe test scenarios in a form that is equally understandable to business analysts, developers and testers. This promotes collaboration (‘three amigos’) and ensures clear, traceable documentation.
• AI-supported automation: With the help of AI tools such as ChatGPT, manual test cases or Jira/Xray tickets are automatically converted into Gherkin syntax. This creates a modern, automated workflow:

  • The starting point is manual test cases or tickets
  • Automatic Gherkin conversion using AI
  • Integration into test frameworks such as Cucumber
  • Interface automation with tools such as Selenide
  • Direct documentation of test results

• Seamless integration: The entire process can be easily integrated into existing CI/CD pipelines, enabling continuous, automated test execution.
• Proven in practice: The insurance industry is a good example of how this approach works even in complex projects with many interfaces and rules. The transparency of the test cases ensures that everyone involved always has an overview and misunderstandings are avoided.

Advantages for companies and teams

• Improved collaboration between specialist departments, development and testing
• Early error detection and shorter release cycles
• Increased transparency and traceability of test cases
• Increased customer satisfaction through higher software quality

The combination of Gherkin and AI creates a forward-looking, efficient and traceable test process that sustainably improves quality assurance and addresses the challenges of modern software projects.

The combination of Gherkin and AI offers numerous advantages that go beyond pure test automation:

• Reduction in testing time: A significant reduction in manual testing is possible.
• Increased efficiency and cost savings: Faster release cycles and lower error costs.
• Scalability: Automated tests can be easily transferred to new projects.
• Higher test coverage and quality: More tests in less time means fewer errors in live operation.

Tips for a successful start

To make it easier to get started with AI-supported test automation using Gherkin, the following practical tips can be taken into account:

• Start with small, manageable use cases: This allows you to achieve initial successes quickly and helps the team gain confidence in the new methods.
• Ensure a common language: Training all participants in the use of Gherkin helps to avoid misunderstandings.
• Integrate tools step by step: It is advisable to start by converting manual test cases before implementing more complex automations.
• Use feedback loops: Regular retrospectives help to continuously improve the process.
• Apply best practices: Focusing on proven methods and adapting them to your own needs contributes to success.

Our services

adesso supports companies in introducing and optimising test automation solutions based on Gherkin and AI. Our experts accompany you from the analysis of existing processes to the selection and integration of the appropriate tools and the training of teams. The individual requirements and sustainability of the solution are always at the forefront.

With our approach, companies benefit from:

• Individual consulting and training services
• Introduction of modern test automation tools
• Integration into existing development and CI/CD processes
• Sustainable knowledge transfer and continuous improvement

Outlook and recommendation

AI and Gherkin are not a thing of the future, but are already in use today. They help teams work more efficiently, find errors faster and improve software quality in the long term. The combination of human expertise and AI efficiency provides real competitive advantages – and not just in large projects.

If you would like to delve deeper into the topic, the article ‘Seed Test – Test Automation Made Easy!’ provides further exciting approaches and practical examples. In particular, it describes how to get started with test automation using simple but effective methods – an ideal complement to the concepts presented here.

Conclusion

The combination of Gherkin and AI is revolutionising test automation. It ensures greater transparency, efficiency and quality – not just in theory, but also in practice. Companies that adopt these methods early on will secure a clear competitive advantage.