Learning Software Testing
What is Software Testing?
Software testing consists of a wide range of activities to verify that the actual results of the software system are as expected by their requirements providers and final users. The second goal of software testing is to make sure the solution is free of any bugs or defects. Software testing is essential to identify bugs, missing requirements, or gaps in requirements. This can be done manually or with the help of automated tools.
What does a software tester do?
Software testers play a key role in application development. They are quality assurance experts who thoroughly test new digital products to make sure they are error free, eliminate poor performance, and fix interface problems. To this end, testers perform various tests at different stages of the software life cycle. Examples of such tests are stress, performance, functional acceptance, scalability, or user acceptance. As software testing is critical to the quality and usability of an end product, testers are usually involved in the early stages such as planning and design. They remain involved in the entire process and later also during the support. Most testers work in development teams. Today, many software products are developed following the DevOps methodology that combines development and operations. In this methodology, development, testing, and delivery work in a continuous loop using Agile, Lean, or Scrum frameworks and approaches. In summary, software testers make sure that the software looks good in the eyes of customers and performs as advertised.
How to become a software tester?
It all comes down to proper education and training. Employers looking for software testers are not necessarily looking for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. In fact, practical experience, technical skills and certifications (for example, issued by the International Software Testing Qualification Board) are far more important. Knowing about scripting or coding isn’t necessary, but it will always be a great bonus for employers – and can greatly expand your job opportunities.
- learn to code – Programming is often the first step to becoming a software tester. After all, since you will be testing on software, you will be much more efficient if you could tell what the code means. You don’t need to have any programming experience with a commercial company to become a software tester. But it’s good to know a few things about programming. For example, software testers should be familiar with some programming concepts and basics such as architectural fundamentals, algorithms, object-oriented programming, etc. You should also know how to read code in different languages and have a high level of understanding of a few of them. As programming languages rise and fall, knowing the basics is essential – they work in different languages.
- get to know the details of software testing – the next step is to learn what software testing is all about. You need to know everything about the different types of tests, what testers use them for, how to run tests and define the results, and how to create test reports. If you are a developer, you probably learned about it at a high level. As a software tester, you need to have more in-depth knowledge. In most cases, this is the crux of an online software testing course from an experienced and qualified vendor.
- learn Performance Testing – Performance testing is a key area where you need to learn not only the concepts but also the tools. By learning how to become a software tester, you can enrich your experience with performance testing tools. If you don’t have access to them, you can always get trial versions and then train with them to master the performance tests.
- learn Automated Testing – The next step is to learn the concept of Automated Testing. Automated Testing relies on the manual tests that were run originally and put them in a tool that runs them automatically. This is a very effective approach if you need to run a lot of similar tests. If you don’t have access to automation tools, you’ll learn it at work or in an online course.
Why learn Software Testing?
- it’s difficult – testing is not easy – there are puzzles and problems to be solved all the time. Work is likely to bring something new every day. If you prefer a boring job where you don’t have to think too much, then don’t be driven by a software tester career. But if you want a job that holds you in suspense, everyone will tell you that testing is a really great choice.
- it is important – testers are not always appreciated enough for their work, but without them we would be doomed. As a tester, you stand by the end user and make sure they are getting a quality product. Without someone to find bugs before delivering the software, many companies would suffer from a bad reputation and disloyal customer bases.
- it’s creative – you have to be a little innovative when testing. This process will not be explained to you – it actually takes a bit of detective work. By acting as the end user, you are the one who needs to get creative when thinking about where inconsistencies can occur.
- it’s data driven – one of the coolest things about a software tester’s career is that it’s as technical as it is creative. While most testers need to have a foundation for authoring and coding as a benchmark, they also analyze daily data and product trends. Knowledge of computer science is essential as you need to be someone who knows the ins and outs of software and how it works.
- you are constantly learning – whether you are starting to code, automate or test security, there is always more to learn in a software tester career and you probably have a very supportive team behind you to make sure you have all the resources you need to be. the best. In addition, your work will never stagnate as you will constantly develop and improve your practice.
- you can test the limit – you can’t smash other people’s laptops, but you can explore the software to see where it stops working. Of course, testers don’t actually break the software, but finding a bug that nobody thought existed in software that everyone thought was working perfectly can be really fun. In order to find and solve such problems, it takes a particularly critical eye.
- it’s in demand – if you want a fast-paced and well-paying career, quality control is a good option. As a software tester, you will always be needed and there will be no shortage of leading companies trying their best to recruit you, and your professional career is constantly available to reach the managerial level.
- there are many paths – Every company that uses software needs software testers, which means almost everyone needs software testers. Testers are valuable in virtually every industry, from healthcare to retail to video games. Additionally, you can choose whether you want to move to manual testing, automated testing, performance testing, etc.
- this is a specialized skill – despite misunderstandings, no one can test. Most testers start out in a similar field and this role entails them, but it requires in-depth knowledge of UI / UX design patterns and practices and development, as well as analytical and communication skills. Not everyone will find they have what it takes to be a tester, but those who recognize it as their calling will surely fall in love with it.
- it’s rewarding – you’re essentially helping your business build a better product. If you are proud of your work and the people you work for, testing is a unique way to measurably change your organization’s goals and results. In fact, you’ll likely see your impact on work every day.
- you’ll love your colleagues – As the software industry moves more and more towards concepts such as Agile Development, Continuous Integration, DevOps, and Automation, communication becomes a very important skill for software testers. This means that throughout the day you will always work with intelligent, interesting and passionate people who share the same interests as you, at every level of the organization.
- there’s a strong community out there – plus one of the best things about being a tester is being incredibly supportive and solid. From StackOverflow to Twitter, testers are a close-knit group that supports each other and always enjoys discussing best practices and popular topics in the industry.
- well paid – Software Testers salaries are raising at similar pace to programmers. Reference glassdoor.com
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