Why Software Testing Needs Revolution? (and Here is How)

Just like any other technology, software testing is also experiencing growth. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, we need to ask ourselves – as Testers, are we progressing? (Please don’t misunderstand this question as simply acquiring knowledge about 5-6 automation tools).

Having spent nearly a decade in the industry and observing numerous projects and technologies, I would like to assert that now is the perfect time for a revolution in Software Testing.

As per usual, I have several points to support my claim. Read on –

The Perspective of End-users Has Evolved

End-users and customers now have access to a plethora of options, which has made them more demanding. Due to fierce competition, businesses strive to attract as many customers as possible. To achieve this, they are willing to go to great lengths, be it adhering to strict deadlines, controlling costs, or delivering premium products.

This change in expectations means that customers now require more flawless, aesthetically pleasing, and reliable products or applications within a defined time frame. Additionally, customers no longer provide vague requirements. They have clear expectations, and they refuse to compromise when their requirements are implemented.

In light of this scenario, as Software Testers, we can’t simply stick to traditional testing methods. We also need to transform ourselves, our thinking processes, our ideas, our approaches, and our observation skills.

Here’s how:

• Can’t we ask more questions when we analyze the requirements?
• Can’t we create concise documentation for ourselves and our team’s understanding?
• Can’t we prioritize improving our communication skills?
• Can’t we enhance our analysis and reporting abilities?

If the answer is yes, then what are we waiting for? This is the ideal moment to implement, execute, adapt, observe, and report.

The Rapid Pace of Technological Advancements

Back when mobile phones were less popular and people rarely considered using applications while on the move, life was simpler. However, with the rise of mobile applications, the definition of Software Testing has changed.

Mobile Testing is distinct from Traditional Testing, and we must adapt to it.

Here’s how:

• We must contemplate additional scenarios.
• We must observe how people use their mobile devices more closely.
• We must comprehend the ultimate purpose of the product/application.

Once again, if you agree, what are we waiting for? Let’s start implementing these changes immediately.

Countless Tools, Yet a Lack of Innovative Ideas

Automation is in high demand, and unfortunately, there is a prevailing belief that proficiency in automation automatically makes one a good tester.

Regrettably, that’s not the case. No tool can replace the human mind. While tools certainly make our lives easier, they are ultimately created by humans and require human effort to utilize effectively.

I’m not suggesting that manual testing is superior to automation or vice versa. The point here is that testing cannot be accomplished without innovative ideas and manual labor. No tool can test or accurately report an application/product’s behavior independently. Tools merely follow scripts, and it’s our responsibility to analyze the results generated by these tools.

In today’s market, where countless new tools and utilities are emerging and time is always in short supply for testing, automation is mandatory, but it must be supplemented with manual testing.

Here’s how:

• Let’s strive to learn something new every day and put that knowledge into practice.
• Let’s brainstorm and come up with five new ways to test the current application/product.
• Let’s conduct detailed research on which tools can improve our productivity.
• Let’s dissect the product more attentively and provide more detailed bug reports.

Certification

How many of you would agree with this statement – anyone can learn and explore more if they aren’t pressured by exams? After years of experience, we come to understand that striving for top marks leads us nowhere. Instead, we should focus on genuinely understanding the subject matter.

(On a lighter note, my husband often remarks that whenever I have guests over for dinner, I unconsciously add too much or too little salt due to feeling pressure. I’m certain that in one aspect or another of life, we all experience similar pressure situations where we have to perform within a limited time frame. And that fear of not performing well makes us so conscious that we forget about learning and enjoying the process. We become too fixated on the end result, and that’s not a healthy approach for the community).

I’m not against certification, but they don’t measure your true skills. No exam can truly assess someone’s capabilities within a limited time frame. When it comes to Software Testing, it’s about continuous growth.

• You can’t generate thousands of ideas in a single day.
• You can’t master an automation tool within a few hours.
• You can’t observe hundreds of bugs within your first week of testing.
• You can’t communicate effectively with developers and customers from the very beginning of your career.

However, it is a matter of personal growth. With experience, we learn, implement, hone our skills, and develop ourselves. Learn from past mistakes and keep a record of them. When working on new projects, refer back to those mistakes and make an effort not to repeat them.

The Tendency to Not Evolve After Advancing in One’s Career

It’s acceptable for a senior developer turned lead/manager to no longer code, but a true test manager should always be involved in testing. When you start neglecting your foundational skills, you risk derailing your career. Regardless of how many years of experience you have, keep your mind sharp by dedicating at least a couple of hours to testing.

Here’s how:

• Test real-time products.
• Propose ideas to improve the product’s utility.
• Study the market and learn why some products are bestsellers while others are not.
• Understand how ideas are implemented in various ways.

Conclusion

Ultimately, as I have emphasized numerous times throughout this article, software testing revolves around ideas. No software tester can thrive in this industry without being a skilled idea generator. So, put your mind to work. Connect your product with a real-time product and contemplate how you would test it. This will give you a fresh perspective.

Furthermore, don’t forget to equip yourself with the tools of reporting and communication in your testing arsenal. Those who cannot communicate effectively cannot succeed in any industry. Pursue training and continuously improve your reporting and communication skills.

About the author: This insightful and revolutionary article was written by Bhumika Mehta, a valued member of the STH team. With over 7 years of software testing experience, she serves as a project lead. She is passionate about testing and loves to test everything imaginable.

As always, I look forward to your comments…..let’s bring about a revolution together.

Happy Testing 🙂