8 Cutting-Edge Software Automation Books Defining 2025

Jakub Jirak's book takes a fresh look at test automation, positioning it not just as a tool for replacing manual testing but as a strategic asset that reshapes software development. You’ll explore practical frameworks that cover everything from foundational test mindsets to the integration of AI-driven testing techniques, with concrete guidance on applying these methods across diverse environments like cloud platforms and microservices. The chapters on risk-based testing and performance optimization offer tangible ways to align automation with business goals, making it particularly valuable if you’re involved in agile or DevOps settings. If you’re seeking to elevate your automation practices beyond basics, this book offers solid, actionable insights without overpromising.

After analyzing extensive developments in network technology, James Killer developed a focused guide that bridges Python programming with the evolving fields of Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). This book equips you to automate network configurations, manage virtualized functions, and enhance network performance using Python, with practical examples and integration tips for web applications. You gain clear insights into SDN and NFV fundamentals alongside concrete Python applications, making it valuable whether you’re a student, developer, or network engineer. If your goal is to master network automation through Python with real-world applicability, this book offers a straightforward, skill-building approach.

This tailored book explores advanced software automation with a focus on the latest AI-driven developments shaping 2025 and beyond. It reveals how emerging test automation techniques, intelligent workflows, and personalized insights align with your background and goals. By concentrating on your specific interests, this book covers the evolving landscape of automation tools, frameworks, and cutting-edge research, helping you stay ahead. You'll examine practical applications that reflect your skill level while diving into deep explorations of new discoveries transforming software testing and development processes. This personalized approach ensures a focused learning experience that addresses your unique objectives in mastering modern automation.

What makes this guide different is its clear focus on the practical use of Cucumber for automated testing across multiple programming languages. Steven Hunt, with over a decade of hands-on experience, shares concrete examples and expert tips on integrating Cucumber into real-world development workflows, from setting up step definitions in Gherkin to embedding tests in CI/CD pipelines. You'll find detailed instructions for writing automated tests for both web and mobile applications, plus strategies for microservice architectures. If you're aiming to improve your automated testing skills with behavior-driven development tools, this book provides focused insights without fluff.

John Capobianco and Dan Wade bring their deep expertise in network automation to unpack the Cisco pyATS framework, a Python-based tool designed to streamline network testing and configuration. You’ll get hands-on knowledge about testing various network aspects such as software versions, interfaces, and device reachability, along with practical guidance on integrating pyATS with CI/CD pipelines and AI-enhanced automation. The book also introduces low-code, YAML-driven testing workflows through the pyATS Blitz feature, making complex network tests more accessible. If you’re working with modern network environments or preparing for Cisco DevNet certifications, this book gives you concrete skills to automate and optimize your network operations.

What if everything you knew about managing Jira was wrong? Bharat Bhuval Nishad, an experienced Jira superadmin, wrote this book to tackle the frustration many face when using Jira for Agile and other project management methods. You’ll gain clear insights into avoiding common pitfalls and streamlining workflows without needing to code, making Jira more accessible whether you’re a project manager or developer. For example, the book explains how to simplify complex automations and improve team collaboration, turning what often feels like a clunky tool into a strategic asset. If you want practical know-how to unlock Jira’s potential, this book fits your needs, though experienced Jira experts might find some basics familiar.

This tailored book explores practical Python applications designed to automate network configuration and virtualization, focusing on your specific interests and expertise. It reveals the latest 2025 developments in network automation, examining how Python scripts can streamline complex tasks and enhance virtualization management. By addressing your unique background and goals, the book offers a personalized learning experience that keeps you ahead of emerging trends and discoveries. It covers foundational concepts as well as advanced techniques, ensuring you gain both broad understanding and actionable knowledge to accelerate your network management. This personalized approach makes complex automation accessible and relevant to your needs.

Sudaney Cehenar offers a focused dive into the world of PLC programming with this guide tailored for beginners eager to master industrial automation. You’ll explore everything from the fundamental components of PLC systems to advanced programming with RSLogix 5000, gaining practical skills that tie into larger automation strategies. The book doesn’t just stop at code — it also bridges emerging trends like IoT and AI, helping you understand how automation evolves in real industrial settings. If you’re looking to build a solid foundation and see how PLCs fit into the future of automation, this book presents a clear path without unnecessary jargon or fluff.

Eric Chapman's extensive experience managing complex integration systems shines through in this deep dive into GitHub Actions. You’ll learn how to automate workflows at scale, from setting up reusable templates to managing self-hosted runners and securing pipelines with tools like HashiCorp Vault. The book doesn’t just cover basics; it walks you through advanced strategies for team collaboration and organization-wide automation efficiency, such as event-driven workflows and centralized configuration patterns. If you’re a developer or DevOps engineer aiming to streamline CI/CD processes and improve team productivity, this offers concrete examples and practical insights without oversimplifying the challenges.

Prof Philip M. Parker Ph.D., an expert in economic modeling, crafted this book to provide a strategic, global perspective on building automation software's market potential from 2025 to 2030. You gain insight into latent demand estimates across over 190 countries, supported by econometric models projecting long-term economic dynamics rather than focusing on individual products or companies. This approach equips you with a high-level understanding of regional and global market shares, invaluable for strategic planning and investment decisions. If you’re involved in market analysis or seeking macro trends in building automation software, this book offers a solid foundation without getting bogged down in short-term fluctuations or competitive details.