Machine Setup for AI-Augmented Testing Workflows
Set up your machine with the core tools required for modern AI-enhanced testing and automation workflows.
This guide walks you through setting up your system with the essential tools needed for AI-powered development, automation, and software testing workflows. Follow the steps in order for a smooth setup experience.
1. Install Node.js
What it is: Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime that lets you run JavaScript outside the browser. It includes npm, which gives you access to thousands of packages for AI, automation, testing, and tooling.
Why it's needed for AI & testing:
- Install AI SDKs and CLIs
- Run automation tools
- Build agent-based workflows
- Use frameworks like Playwright or MCP servers
Download: 🔗 https://nodejs.org/en/download
2. Create a GitHub Account
What it is: GitHub is a cloud-based code hosting and collaboration platform using Git.
Why it's needed:
- Store and version your AI automation projects
- Clone open-source AI tools
- Use GitHub Copilot & repos for MCP servers
- Manage test automation repos
Sign up: 🔗 https://github.com/signup
3. Install Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
What it is: A free, lightweight, and powerful code editor used across AI, testing, and development workflows.
Why it's needed:
- Write and manage AI automation scripts
- Integrate GitHub, Python, Node.js, MCP, and Playwright
- Enable Copilot extensions
- Debug code efficiently
Download: 🔗 https://code.visualstudio.com/download
4. Set Up GitHub Copilot
What it is: GitHub Copilot provides AI-powered code suggestions and explanations.
Why it's needed:
- Generate test automation scripts
- Build AI agents faster
- Use Copilot Chat for debugging and learning
- Use Copilot’s Agent Mode to run multi-step, context-aware actions.
- Free tier available for beginners
Sign up: 🔗 https://github.com/github-copilot/signup
5. Install Google Gemini CLI
What it is: The Gemini CLI is an open-source terminal agent providing direct access to Google's Gemini models.
Why it's needed:
- Run AI tasks directly in your terminal
- Generate code, tests, and docs
- Use AI for research & troubleshooting
- Great for agent workflows with context
Install & docs: 🔗 https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
6. Install Model Context Protocol (MCP) Tools
What it is: MCP allows your LLM (e.g., GPT-5, Gemini) to connect to tools, data, APIs, and internal apps safely.
Why it's needed:
- Build AI agents for software testing
- Connect to GitHub, databases, apps
- Use MCP servers like Appium MCP, File System MCP, Browser MCP
Recommended MCP servers:
- GitHub MCP (Connects AI agents to GitHub so they can access code, review PRs, and manage repo tasks.)
- Playwright MCP (Enables AI agents to work with live web pages through Playwright automation.)
- Chrome DevTools MCP (Connects AI directly to Chrome DevTools, letting it see, debug, and automate real web pages in real time.)
- Context7 (Context7 supplies AI assistants with live, version-specific documentation to prevent outdated or hallucinated answers.)
- Shadcn MCP (If you want to develop tools/apps)
- Appium MCP Server (for mobile test automation)
Docs: 🔗 https://modelcontextprotocol.dev
7. Set Up Playwright
What it is: A powerful browser automation and testing framework.
Why it's needed:
- Write end-to-end tests
- Automate UI testing
- Use with AI to generate test cases & scripts
- Integrates with Node.js & Python
Install command:
npm init playwright@latest
Docs: 🔗 https://playwright.dev
8. Install Python
What it is: The most widely used language in AI, ML, and automation.
Why it’s needed:
- Build Python-based AI agents
- Use LangChain, FastAPI, MCP Python SDK
- Work with automation libraries
Download: 🔗 https://www.python.org/downloads/
9. Install UV (Python Package Manager)
What it is: A super fast alternative to pip + venv by Astral.
Why it's needed:
- Create isolated AI project environments
- Install dependencies ultra-fast
- Great for testing & automation projects
Install:
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
Docs: 🔗 https://github.com/astral-sh/uv
Optional Add-ons for AI & Testing Workflows
✔ Docker (for local agents & test environments)
✔ ngrok (expose local APIs for agents)
✔ Postman (API testing)
✔ Supabase CLI (for databases in AI projects)
✔ Git (version control, required for GitHub)