The role of a tester in the software development scene is comparably significant to:
- An editor, who rigorously examines every single word written by the writer
- A stylist, who is expected to try out all the new-style clothes before they are showcased
- A researcher, who is obligated to carry out research and analysis to grasp the effects of implementations
Throughout my professional journey, I have come across testers who stumbled into the profession due to limited career opportunities or insufficient technical wisdom, rather than motivating themselves to venture consciously into software testing.
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In my perception, the starting point of someone’s journey into the testing realm matters less than the dedication and determination invested in gaining proficiency and graping the intricacies of the domain.
“An enthusiastic tester can often surpass a seasoned developer in their value,” is a common saying.
Even though the majority of software testers invest their efforts towards confirming the software’s functions and recognizing bugs, they should bear in mind that these are not their only objectives.
As a tester, your remit goes beyond these obvious roles. Allow me to elaborate.
In your role as tester:
#1) Your task is to spot bugs
Each tester’s fundamental mission is to pinpoint bugs in the software or application. But this role isn’t confined to merely detecting them. This should also extend to effective reporting, defining problem severity, triaging and communication with the coding team.
You should refrain from assuming that you have seen or reported every glitch because:
“Just because you have counted all the trees doesn’t mean you have seen the forest.”
Pay considerable concern to the minutiae and trivial issues. Once a tester applies their accumulated knowledge and experience, the intricate web of glitches unfolds, and sometimes even the root cause can be unearthed.
#2) Your task is to avert bugs
For a software tester, it’s better to prevent bugs rather than merely identifying them. When you come across a malfunction, endeavor to understand the pattern, discern the thought process of the coder, and grasp the software’s behavior.
In many scenarios, a similar type of glitch can recur elsewhere in the application, especially if it was developed by the same engineer or if there’s a pattern in system behavior or the logic employed.
So, once a bug is found, identify other potential zones where similar glitches could be present, report them, and aid developers in making modifications in all pertinent locations.
There’s wisdom in the words of someone who once noted:
“Don’t merely rectify the shortcomings; also correct the factors that led to their existence in the first place.”
#3) Your task is to evaluate the software’s quality
Testing software is not solely about identifying glitches. Spotting mistakes maybe your primary duty, but the overall objective is to evaluate the software’s quality and present an accurate image to the key stakeholders.
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Most of the time, high command is less interested in the number of reported errors. They are chiefly concerned with whether or not the product is ready for deployment.
Only a software tester is equipped to answer that specific query because they have an intimate understanding of the product’s present state in terms of meeting expectations and fulfilling requirements. Hence, the saying goes:
“The prime purpose of software testing is to inspire faith in the software.”
#4) Your task is to provide advice
Drawing upon your past experiences, you, as a tester, should always be keen on offering advice to enhance the product’s efficiency, ensure user-friendliness, and contribute towards the business’s overall success.
To accomplish this, you need to explore similar products, discern the reasons behind the success of trending applications, study the causes behind other products’ shortcoming, and keep up-to-date with market dynamics and customer requirements.
Persistent learning will boost your self-confidence and lend credibility to your suggestions because:
“High-quality is never coincidental; it’s always a product of intelligent effort.”
Read more => The 10 Qualities that Define an Excellent Tester
#5) Your task is to communicate practical challenges
As a consumer, I always anticipate my product to be delivered punctually and void of bugs. However, as a tester, I am well-versed with the complications that arise while executing an idea into software and verifying its accuracy.
Occasionally, deadlines pass, and there are lapses in communication. It’s important to hone the skill of clear communication and champion the cause of the product’s quality and user experience, as:
“The memory of inferior quality lingers on even after the joy of meeting the deadline fades.”
Learn more => How Essential is It For A Developer And Tester To Communicate With Each Other?
#6) Your task is to learn under constricted timelines
A proposal might state that QA would require 1 week as compared to the 2 weeks necessary for product development, but only a tester knows they’ll receive nothing more than 2 days for testing. This is the raw, unaltered scenario of the software sector.
Any compromise on schedules is achieved by forfeiting the testing time, resulting in a software that falls short on anticipated quality. As a consumer, would you accept the argument that the product compromised on quality because the QA team was crunched for time?
Definitely, give this a read => Master the Planning and Management of Testing Projects (Crucial Tips)
#7) Your task is to keep the passion burning
In every tester’s career trajectory, there are phases where they might feel unimportant or swamped in negligence. They might also find themselves struggling to find inspiration, or they might need to learn how to handle critical comments aim towards QA. They must relentlessly pursue quality and keep their enthusiasm kindled, as it is the cardinal factor.
Discover more => Strategies to Retain Promising Testers in Testing Roles
Keep this in mind:
“Software testers achieve success where others fall short.”
Summing Up
To conclude, I maintain the perspective that a tester should be skilled in a many disciplines and not just confine their focus on unearthing bugs, as the project’s fortune hinges on their competence, foresight, communication, conviction, and diligence.
Testers, refrain from constraining yourselves to detecting bugs, instead grasp the bigger picture in terms of product quality.
Here’s a funny quote that I thought I’d share:
“Software testers always ascend to heaven because they’ve already endured their fair share of hell.”
Author: This enlightening piece has been penned by Bhumika M., a Project Lead who boasts over 10 years of experience in the discipline of software testing. With her unyielding dedication to testing, she takes pleasure in examining anything that comes her way.
We’d love to hear if you agree, and as always, Enjoy your testing 🙂