Which of the following best describes test automation?

Test automation is best described as automatically executing tests without human oversight. This approach utilizes software tools and scripts to perform testing procedures which would otherwise be conducted manually. Automation streamlines the testing process, improves efficiency, and allows for repetitive test executions with consistency. It significantly reduces the manual effort involved in testing, enabling teams to focus on more complex tasks and ensuring a higher level of coverage for software testing.

The other choices highlight concepts that do not accurately reflect the core of test automation. For instance, conducting tests manually is contrary to the essence of automation, which aims to minimize human intervention. Reducing the need for any testing misrepresents automation’s role, as it does not eliminate testing but rather enhances its execution. Lastly, conducting tests only after development is complete contrasts with the proactive nature of automated testing, which embraces continuous integration practices that allow for testing to occur throughout the development cycle.