The Test Automation Compiler

Using the TAC Methodology

A comprehensive training program on building deterministic test automation. Treat test automation as a compilation problem where markdown test cases are source code, AI discovery runs are the compiler, and YAML specifications are the deterministic output.

TAC logo Playwright logo AI logo

This course includes

TAC starter repository with command templates

10 hands-on exercises

Private community access

Certificate of completion

Skill Level
Intermediate
Duration
2-3 days
Projects
2
Prerequisites
Basic testing concepts, familiarity with test automation principles

About this course

A comprehensive training program on building deterministic test automation using the TAC (Test Automation Compiler) methodology. This course transforms how you approach test automation—treating it as a compilation problem where markdown test cases are source code, AI discovery runs are the compiler, and YAML specifications are the deterministic output.

You’ll build a complete TAC System that achieves 10/10 reliability scores while eliminating the parallel maintenance burden of documentation and code.

Why This Course Is Different

Most test automation courses teach you Playwright syntax or Selenium APIs—you're still maintaining parallel artifacts (documentation AND code) that drift apart. This course teaches you a fundamentally different approach: markdown test cases as the single source of truth, with AI handling the complex translation to deterministic automation.

Course Difference

You learn to direct AI agents that discover selectors, measure timing, and generate reliable YAML specifications. You leave as someone who orchestrates your team of AI agents, not someone who hunts for CSS selectors. The TAC System you build achieves production-grade reliability while eliminating the maintenance nightmare of traditional test automation.

Skills You'll Develop

  • Design and implement a complete TAC System for any web application
  • Write automation-aware test cases that are inherently automatable
  • Execute discovery runs that find reliable selectors and timing requirements
  • Extract learnings and build organizational knowledge repositories
  • Generate deterministic YAML specifications with confidence scores
  • Validate specifications and achieve 10/10 reliability scores
  • Implement lessons learnt loops for self-improving automation
  • Handle complex UI patterns (grids, drag-and-drop, dynamic components)
  • Integrate TAC pipelines with CI/CD for production deployment

Syllabus

TAC Training Syllabus

A syllabus designed to take you from understanding the compiler mindset to building production-grade deterministic test automation

Module 1: The Compiler Mindset

Why traditional test automation approaches create maintenance nightmares—and how the compiler paradigm solves them.

  • From parallel artifacts to single source of truth
  • The compilation metaphor: Markdown → AI Discovery → YAML → Execution
  • Why “run twice” is the key insight
  • Setting up your TAC development environment
  • Lab: Execute your first discovery → validation cycle

Module 2: Automation-Aware Test Case Creation

Writing test cases that are inherently automatable from the start.

  • Structured natural language rules (GIVEN/WHEN/THEN)
  • Specific element identification (labels, exact text, clear actions)
  • The approved action vocabulary (NAVIGATE, CLICK, ENTER, SELECT, VERIFY)
  • Real-time authoring validation and feedback
  • Lab: Convert existing test cases to automation-aware format

Module 3: Discovery Execution with Chrome DevTools MCP

Using AI exploration to discover implementation details your tests need.

  • Setting up Chrome DevTools MCP integration
  • The discovery execution prompt structure
  • Multiple selector strategy attempts
  • Timing measurement and wait condition discovery
  • Capturing screenshots and logs for analysis
  • Lab: Run a discovery execution and analyze the discovery log

Module 4: Learning Extraction and Pattern Recognition

Turning discovery data into actionable automation intelligence.

  • Parsing discovery logs for selector recommendations
  • Identifying application patterns (modal animations, form validation delays)
  • Confidence scoring for selector reliability
  • Building reusable learnings documents
  • Framework-specific knowledge extraction
  • Lab: Extract learnings and document application patterns

Module 5: YAML Specification Generation

Creating deterministic specifications from discovery intelligence.

  • YAML structure and syntax for test execution
  • Translating markdown steps to YAML actions
  • Parameterization and variables for test data
  • Fallback strategies and confidence scoring
  • Execution notes for quirks and timing
  • Lab: Generate a complete YAML specification from discovery

Module 6: Validation and Production Readiness

Verifying your compiled tests are deterministic and reliable.

  • The validation execution pattern
  • Comparing discovery vs validation results
  • Multi-dimensional readiness scoring (Reliability, Timing, Data Handling, Determinism, Maintainability)
  • Achieving 10/10 reliability scores
  • CI/CD pipeline integration patterns
  • Lab: Validate specifications and assess production readiness

Module 7: Lessons Learnt Loops

Building self-improving automation through intelligent feedback.

  • Failure analysis and documentation patterns
  • Ultra-thinking deep research for complex problems
  • When to update YAML vs when to update markdown (Decision Matrix)
  • Building organizational knowledge repositories
  • Versioning and evolving lessons documents
  • Lab: Implement a lessons learnt loop for a failing test

Module 8: Complex Application Automation

Handling real-world complexity that breaks simple automation.

  • AG Grid and complex component automation
  • Custom drag-and-drop implementations
  • API-based alternatives to UI automation
  • React Fiber traversal and component access
  • Making trade-offs between testing UX vs testing logic
  • Lab: Automate a complex grid interaction using TAC methodology

Student Projects

Project 1: Complete TAC Pipeline

  • Build an end-to-end TAC pipeline for a sample application using all four commands: /discover, /learn, /generate, and /validate
  • Achieve 10/10 reliability scores on your generated specifications

Project 2: Self-Learning Automation Suite

  • Create an automation suite with integrated lessons learnt loops
  • Implement the decision matrix for automatic updates, handle complex UI patterns, and demonstrate self-healing capabilities when selectors change

Resources Provided

  • TAC starter repository with command templates
  • Chrome DevTools MCP configuration guides
  • Automation-aware test case templates (GIVEN/WHEN/THEN)
  • YAML specification templates with best practices
  • Discovery log parser and analyzer scripts
  • Decision matrix reference for YAML vs markdown updates
  • Lessons learnt document templates
  • Sample complex application for practice
  • CI/CD integration scripts (GitHub Actions)

Meet The Creator Of The Course

  • Bill Echlin, Test Automation Specialist
  • 15+ years implementing testing solutions at enterprises including Glencore and Nisa Investments
  • Creator of the TAC (Test Automation Compiler) methodology and the PTP framework
  • A fascination for working out the simplest way to explain complex topics

Career Benefits

  • Eliminate maintenance nightmares — Single source of truth means no more documentation-code drift
  • Achieve production reliability — 10/10 reliability scores replace flaky test frustrations
  • Future-proof your skills — Lead the shift toward AI-orchestrated test automation
  • Increase team velocity — Non-technical staff can write tests that compile to automation

Course Format

  • Structured 2-3 day curriculum
  • 10 hands-on exercises with real-world complexity
  • 2 student driven projects to apply what you've learnt
  • Private community for ongoing support
  • Certificate of completion for your professional profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need programming experience?

Basic familiarity with testing concepts is required. You'll work with YAML and markdown, not traditional programming. The AI handles the complex implementation details.

How is this different from other test automation courses?

Other courses teach you Playwright or Selenium APIs—you write code that parallels your documentation. TAC teaches you to write markdown test cases that compile into deterministic YAML automation. The AI discovers selectors and timing; you focus on test design.

What makes the 'compiler' approach different?

Traditional: Write documentation, then separately write automation code, then maintain both forever. TAC: Write markdown (source code), AI compiles it to YAML (bytecode), execute deterministically. One artifact, no drift.

Will this work with applications other than Chrome?

The current implementation uses Chrome DevTools MCP. Playwright MCP support is on the roadmap for multi-browser testing. The methodology itself is browser-agnostic.

What's the 'Run Twice Pattern'?

Run 1 (Discovery): AI executes your markdown test case, exploring multiple selector strategies and measuring timing. Run 2 (Validation): Execute the generated YAML to verify it produces identical results deterministically.

How do lessons learnt loops work?

When tests fail, the system analyzes whether to update the YAML (selector changed) or markdown (business logic changed). Learnings get documented and integrated into future discovery runs, making the system smarter over time.

What's the relationship between TAC and PTP?

PTP covers the full testing lifecycle (create, review, automate, execute, validate, apply). TAC focuses specifically on the automation compilation step—turning test cases into reliable automation. TAC can be used standalone or as part of a PTP workflow.

Do I get lifetime access to the course materials?

Yes. You'll have permanent access to the TAC starter repository, all templates, and the private community for ongoing support and updates.

Ready to Compile Your Tests?

Ready to stop hunting for selectors and start compiling tests? Join the growing community of automation engineers who've eliminated the parallel artifact nightmare. Enroll now and build a TAC System that transforms markdown test cases into production-grade automation—while you direct the process from a higher level.

Enquire Now