Software Testing Advice for Novice Testers

Beginning Testers usually have a multitude of inquiries about Software Testing and the exact role they are stepping into.

As Beginner Testers, you should familiarize yourself with certain facts about the Software Testing industry. The tips provided in this tutorial will unquestionably aid you in progressing your Software Testing career.

These ‘testing realities’ are not only relevant but also useful for seasoned testing professionals.

Incorporate each testing truth mentioned below into your career life and you wouldn’t regret your decisions.

Software Testing Advice for Novice Testers

#1) Understand Your Application

Don’t move into testing without grasping the requirements.

Testing without understanding the requirements will inhibit your capability to determine if the program is functioning as planned and detect any missing required functionalities. Garnering comprehensive understanding of the requirements prior to beginning testing is imperative for any tester.

#2) Familiarize Yourself with Your Domain

You must gain a deep understanding of the domain you are operating in. This will position you favourably in suggesting valuable bug solutions. Your test manager will appreciate your input once they realise you’ve substantial points to bring to the table.

Don’t just log the bug and end there. Offer solutions as well. Profound domain knowledge will better equip you in crafting optimal test cases with maximum test coverage. For additional insights on domain knowledge, read this article.

#3) Make no Assumptions in Testing

Don’t initiate testing with the assumption that all will be error-free. As a tester, your role requires you to consistently pinpoint errors.

#4) Embrace New Technologies

While traditional testing methods retain their significance in everyday testing, endeavour to implement new testing procedures that work best for you. Don’t rely purely on theoretical knowledge. Be pragmatic. Your innovative testing ideas might be surprisingly effective.

#5) Acknowledge You Can’t Ensure a Bug-Free Application

Regardless of the extent of your testing, a 100% bug-free application is unattainable. There exist constraints which may compel your team to advance the product to the subsequent phase despite the presence of some minor or low-priority issues.

Strive to uncover as many bugs as possible but focus your efforts predominantly on basic and crucial functions. Commit to executing your work excellently.

#6) Embrace the Mindset of an End-User

This is my top tip. Don’t exclusively focus on the technical perspective. Think like your customers or end-users. Additionally, think beyond the expectations of your end-users. Test your application from an end-user’s standpoint. Consider how an end-user would interact with your application.

Combining technical and end-user perspectives ensures that your application is user-friendly and likely to smoothly pass acceptance tests. This was the most critical advice given to me by my test manager when I was a Beginner Tester.

#7) Accept that 100% Test Coverage is Unattainable

Don’t exert efforts chasing after 100% test coverage. It’s practically impossible to cover millions of inputs and test combinations. Employ strategies like boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning testing to confine your test cases to manageable extents.

#8) Maintain Healthy Relations with Developers

As a tester, it’s essential to maintain robust communication with other team members, especially developers. Certain instances may arise where a tester and developer disagree on specific points. Your task is to negotiate such disputes without disrupting your relationship with the developer.

Acknowledge when you’re incorrect. If you’re correct, approach it diplomatically. Don’t take it as a personal attack. After all, it’s a profession, and both of you aspire for a quality product.

#9) Embrace Lessons from Mistakes

As a novice, mistakes are inevitable. If you do not err, then you’re not pushing yourself hard enough! You will gradually gain insights and experience. Treat these errors as necessary experiences for growth. Strive to avoid repeating the same mistakes. It’s disheartening when the client identifies any bug in an application tested by you.

It’s definitely an awkward situation that’s unavoidable. However, don’t be too hard on yourself. Ascertain the root cause of the oversight. Determine why you failed to identify the bug and work on avoiding a repeat of the same blunder in future. If necessary, modify some of the testing procedures you’ve been utilizing.

#10) Shun Self-Doubt if Some of Your Bugs are Unresolved

Some testers hold the belief that all bugs reported by them should be resolved. This is valid to a certain extent but flexibility is key. Not all bugs may receive fixes.

Management may decide to postpone fixing certain bugs due to low priority, low severity or lack of time. With time, you will learn which bugs can be deferred until the next release. For extensive information on resolving Bugs, refer to the article on “How to get all your Bugs resolved”.

If you’re a seasoned Tester, what tips would you offer to Beginner Testers? Please share them in the comments section below!