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# Old tools, new tricks


- **Event:** World Congress 2026 Europe - Virtual Stage

## Recording

[Watch recording](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1916-old-tools-new-tricks)

## Description

In software development, it’s tempting to chase the latest tools. However, some of the most effective solutions have been around for decades. In this talk, we’ll delve into the enduring value of timeless (testing) tools.

We’ll explore why established tools like Selenium, GNU Make, Maven, and Bash remain vital in today’s toolkit. Despite their age, these tools are adaptable, versatile, and reliable. I’ll share examples of how they’ve consistently addressed our testing and automation challenges, proving that sometimes, the “old” ways are the best.

While I also use AI tools in my daily work, this isn’t a rant against them. This session aims to encourage a deeper appreciation of familiar tools. By understanding their strengths, you can make more informed decisions and enrich your toolbox.

Let’s rediscover the power of the classics and see how they can work hand in hand with modern tools for a “best of both worlds” approach to software testing and development.

## Speaker

### [Benjamin Bischoff](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/@benjamin-bischoff)

Test Automation Engineer @ trivago N.V.


## Related talks at this congress

- [Thoughts on (Modern?) Software Development - Observations From a 21-Year Journey](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-europe-virtual-stage/sessions/1627-thoughts-on-modern) — Alex Thurow
- [Using AI Without Losing Your Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-europe-virtual-stage/sessions/1632-using-ai-without) — Jen Callou
- [A Developer's Framework for Any Tool Migration](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-europe-virtual-stage/sessions/1476-a-developer-s) — Sérgio Sancho Pinto
- [JavaScript? No. Java Scripts! - Scripting with Java](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-europe-virtual-stage/sessions/1562-javascript-no-java) — Jens Knipper