Automated testing is the process of using software tools to execute and validate the behavior of a product or system. Pre-written scripts are typically used to simulate user interactions with the application, such as clicking buttons, filling out forms, and navigating through pages. These scripts can be executed repeatedly, allowing testers to quickly identify defects or issues in the application.

There are several types of automated testing that test for a range of behaviors in software:

1. Unit Testing: Testing individual units of code, such as functions or methods.
2. Integration Testing: Testing how different modules or components interact with each other.
3. System Testing: Testing the entire application from end-to-end.
4. Regression Testing: Re-testing existing functionality after changes have been made.

Companies competing in the software testing space often provide tools to accomplish one or more of the above automated testing approaches.