Software Tester Career Walkthrough

Testing is an integral part of any software development life cycle model. Whether you want to check the quality or reliability of the code, testing comes into the picture. To understand testing in a better way, let's check the literal meaning of it.

About software tester

It is a job role where the testing of the software is performed to maintain the quality standards of the software and create a better user interface when it is deployed. He or she is responsible for checking for any malfunction or glitches during the software development lifecycle model; to be able to stand with the market quality standards.

Usually, the testing comes right after the implementation stage of the SDLC model. When the product is ready to be deployed to the end users, you have to ensure that it is meeting all the expectations of the client's requirements and functioning smoothly.

Then, the software goes to the testers to maintain the quality standards.

Job Responsibilities Of A Software Tester

The life of the software tester is not as easy as seems. It involves lots of time and patience to do so. To check any software/product quality, a detailed understanding of the product is a must. So that you can create test cases for the product. Once the test cases are attempted the acquired results are documented and shared with the team.

The role of a software tester is to authenticate that the said application is fully functional. It is also to fix any bug or error after it is deployed.

The role of the software tester does not end after the product/application is released. It tends to continue even after that.

Once the product is deployed, the end user might have some feedback for the product which might interfere with its usability of the product. Then it goes back to the development stage and then to the testing phase.

Testing can be performed in two different ways.

manual testing and,
automation testing

Career Prospects Of A Software Tester

Career growth as a software tester is emerging than before. With companies coming up with different software and with tough competition going around, the company are willing to hire software testers in the quality assurance team to maintain the reliability of the project. Almost all the companies have positions open for this post.

Many online and as well as offline courses are available in this domain. The gradual increase in the trend is creating a high scope for this career prospect.

For any innovation to mark its place, the testing phase is quite important. Good software is an example of a great software testing process.

If today's most used applications were not tested beforehand, would they have been an integral part of our today's life? An example includes Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Youtube, PUBG and so on.

The career of the software tester is a lucrative profession which can never run out of demand. The job is rewarding if looked at at the brighter aspects.

Skills Required

To be able to qualify for this profession, the rudimentary requirement is to be a graduate with a technical background. The relevant course or a diploma degree is a must to kickstart your career.

When talking about the skill set for the profession,

Good logical and analytical skills
Basic knowledge of programming
Working on testing tools
Understanding of software development lifecycle model
Communication and leadership.

When dealing with the application you have to understand the sole purpose it which requires active communication from both ends. It also involves teamwork.

Along with soft skills, hard skills do have a bigger hand in success growth. Hard skills include understanding of the test scenarios, computer knowledge, database knowledge, hands-on experience with tools and documentation work.

Premium Tools

Most companies use tools like Selenium and Jira. Testing tools are the assets that the testers own.

Different applications are available in open-source and as well as commercial software. If you are a newbie and want to begin your journey, an open-source tool will be a good option, followed by paid/commercial tool to further advance the skillset.

Here is the list of tools for reference

Written By: Durrah Ismail Nasir