In this replay of episode 103, we are joined by Jason Huggins, the creator of Selenium, to discuss the true intent of the tool and why the industry has developed what Alan calls a 'tragic sickness' and an 'unhealthy infatuation' with UI automation. Driven by his belief that hand-crafted UI tests are an inefficient 'money pit' and a 'maintenance nightmare,' Alan challenges the traditional reliance on Selenium and advocates for developers owning automation to ensure better code design. Together with Huggins, we explore the history of the 'mercury monster' and the 'Steel Cage Match' while looking toward a future where robotics, AI-assisted record-and-playback, and data-driven experimentation replace brittle, legacy scripts

Summary

In this episode of the AB Testing Podcast, host Spy welcomes back Walmyr, a seasoned QA engineer and educator, to discuss his journey in quality assurance, the importance of quality culture in software development, and the transition to agile environments. Walmyr shares insights on his experiences with test automation, the significance of effective test design, and the challenges of navigating job changes and company culture. The conversation also touches on personal growth, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the impact of remote work on team dynamics.

Walmyr emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing in the tech industry, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in quality assurance and software development.

More on Walmyr here: https://walmyr.dev/

In this episode of the A-B Testing Podcast, Spy, Walmyr, and Global Warming reflect on the past year, discussing their favorite books, podcasts, and entertainment from 2025. They delve into the importance of code review and refactoring in the age of AI, share personal finance strategies, and explore the evolving landscape of remote work. The conversation also touches on predictions for 2026, including the impact of AI on job markets and the future of work dynamics.