What does a software tester do?

Being a software test engineer means that one needs to see oneself as a full time user. This role comes with a huge responsibility which if not fulfilled may result into the product being the least in demand in the market which in-turn would make all of the company's efforts in vain. Not to point out that the companies validation engineers didn't put any effort in the validation of the product, but it would be safe to say that the costs incurred in making the product would be in vain.

Software testers require varied skills depending on their testing area. Some of the key skills are understanding requirements, programming proficiency, performance metrics (JMeter), security tools (e.g: ZAP), mobile testing frameworks (Espresso, Appium and other), observational and analytical skills, attention to detail, creativity, adaptability, continuous learning, critical thinking, and team collaboration. A well-rounded tester combines technical expertise, domain knowledge, and soft skills for effective contribution to the software development lifecycle.

First duty is to understand the requirements and behave according to that, means, understand the purpose of the product, understand the domain & business flow in the first phase of SDLC. And then get the domain knowledge, if competitors are present in the market then explore functionality & make a notes it will help you a lot in analytical & critical thinking and after all this prepare Test plan, Test strategy, Prepare RTM doc, write the Test Scenarios and Test Cases and execution those test case with that validate final outcome as per the requirements. Always collaborate with BA, Scrum master, Dev team and clients to deliver Quality Product. Validate response of API's(Postman), map the performance and load(JMeter) of the application.

Software testing is a complex field that requires a combination of various skills. A tester should have a good understanding of technical concepts, knowledge of the domain, and excellent communication skills. They must be proficient in programming languages, database structures, and web technologies. In addition to technical skills, testers must know testing techniques, industry-specific compliance, and effective collaboration skills. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and continuous learning are essential for success. However, above all, they must be excellent communicators and collaborators. Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and cultivating curiosity and attention to detail contribute to becoming a well-rounded tester.

Ao meu ver o testador não deve atuar em testes unitários pois este teste deve ser realizado pelo desenvolvedor na hora do desenvolvimento da demanda, desta forma ele consegue assim validar que a sua implementação está correta e garantindo a sua qualidade de código.

There are different types of testing, each with its own purpose: - Regression testing: it confirms that changes do not affect existing functionality. Performance testing evaluates software performance, while security testing checks for vulnerabilities. - Usability testing: it focuses on the user experience, and alpha/beta testing gathers feedback from internal and external testing. - Exploratory testing: it uncovers unexpected issues. - Smoke testing: it ensures software stability - Backward compatibility testing: it ensures compatibility with previous versions.

Test Pyramid integrates Unit, Integration, System, and Acceptance testing. Prioritizing robust unit tests for speed, specificity, and early issue detection, it transitions to E2E scenarios. -Unit Testing (Base):Forms the foundational layer, focusing on individual components. Typically automated, providing extensive codebase coverage. -Integration Testing (Middle):Positioned above unit tests, assesses interactions between components.Ensures seamless collaboration among integrated system parts. -System Testing (Middle):Aligns with intermediate layers, testing the entire software system.Automated system tests deliver broad coverage. -Acceptance Testing (Top):At the pinnacle, validates software alignment with end-user/stakeholder requirements.

1. Unit Testing - Microscopic Inspection: At the foundational level, a software tester delves into unit testing. This involves scrutinizing individual components or modules, ensuring their functionality and reliability in isolation. 2. Integration Testing - Connecting the Dots: As the software architecture expands, integration testing comes into play. 3. System Testing - Holistic Software Evaluation: The software system, viewed as a unified entity, undergoes rigorous evaluation in system testing. 4. Acceptance Testing - The ultimate litmus test lies in acceptance testing. A software tester ensures that the software aligns with end-user requirements and stakeholder expectations, validating its readiness for deployment.

Each of the testing levels has different goals, with each of them requiring different integral parts for product development. Unit testing - performed at the beginning of development, and usually performed by developers Integration testing - performed when the reduced product/software needs to interface with another product. For example, a cashier's computer with credit cards. In an age where many devices are integrated API is very common. A system test is performed towards the end of the development phase, to make sure that the system is working properly. And finally, an acceptance test performed at the customer's place. At this level the system should work in its entirety, and without bugs (it will look very bad).

Testers will perform only two types of Testing Functional & Non-functional testing. Manual & Automation are the methods of functional testing. Smoke, Sanity, Re-test, Regression, System, Integration, Browser & UAT testing and so far are the types of Functional testing. Performance & Security testing are the types of Non-functional testing. Load, Stress, Spike, Scalability etc. are the types of Performance testing. With the help of functional testing we'll ensure they are working fine as per the final outcome. We'll ensure that the Quality parameters such as performance, security, reliability, usability etc. with the help of non-functional testing. With all this we'll deliver quality products to the end Users!

There are two types of testing A. Manual Testing B. Automation Testing. Manual Testing is divided into two types: 1. Functional Testing. 2. Non Functional. Functional Testing has three types: a. Black Box Testing. b. White Box Testing. c. Grey Box Testing. Black Box Testing has having following Types: -> Component Testing -> Integration Testing -> Top-down Approach Testing -> Bottom-Up Approach Testing -> Sandwich Integration Testing -> System Testing -> Sanity Testing -> Smoke Testing -> Regression Testing -> User Acceptance Testing -> Exploratory and Adhoc Testing Non-functional testing types: a. Performance Testing b. Compatibility Testing c. Usability Testing d. Localization and Globalization Testing.

There are different types of functional and non functional testing that needs to be performed at different phases of STLC. Types of Functional testing includes: Unit Testing,Integration Testing,system testing,Acceptance testing, Regression testing. Types of Non Functional testing includes: Performance testing, security testing,usability testing, compatibility testing.

Software testing involves functional and non-functional aspects. Functional testing ensures software meets requirements, while non-functional testing assesses performance, security, and usability. Manual testing involves human testers, while automated testing uses scripts for efficiency. Regression testing checks new changes against existing functions, and performance testing assesses system behavior under load. Security testing identifies vulnerabilities, usability testing focuses on user experience, and exploratory testing uncovers unexpected issues. Smoke testing ensures basic stability, and backward compatibility testing ensures compatibility with previous versions. These types collectively ensure software quality.

There are basically 10 types of Testing. Unit Testing Integration Testing System Testing Functional Testing Acceptance Testing Smoke Testing Regression Testing Performance Testing Security Testing User Acceptance Testing

Phase 1 – Requirement Analysis - Analyze business functionalities, types of testing to be performed, testing priorities and prepare Requirement Traceability matrix. Phase 2- Test Planning - Analyze various testing approach available and finalize the best suited approach along with Test effort estimation and resource planning. Phase 3 – Test Case Development- Create test cases and test data. Phase 4 – Test Environment Set up – Setting up the right test environment based on required architecture. Phase 5 – Test execution - Execute the test cases and document test results & log defects for failed cases. Phase 6 – Test Cycle Closure - Evaluate cycle completion criteria based on time, Test coverage cost ,s/w quality , business objective

1.Requirement Analysis- Gather details about testing priorities and Identify test environment details where testing is supposed to be carried out. 2.Test Planning- In this phase a Senior QA manager determines the test plan strategy along with efforts and cost estimates for the project 3.Test case development- Create test cases, automation scripts (if applicable) 4.Test Environment setup- Understand the required architecture, environment set-up and prepare hardware and software requirement list for the Test Environment. 5.Test Execution- Execute tests as per plan Map defects to test cases in RTM 6.Test Cycle closure- It involves several activities like test completion reporting, collection of test completion matrices and test results.

Testing phases involves the following : Test Planning, Test Design, Test Execution, Test Analysis, Test Reporting Test Planning includes Defining test objectives, scope, resources, and timelines. Test Design is to create the test cases and test scenarios based on the requirements. Test Execution is running of test cases , logging defects and reporting results. Test Analysis includes Reviewing test results, identifying trends, and assessing the quality of the software. Test Reporting is Communicating test findings to stakeholders.

The software testing phase includes Test Planning, Test Analysis, Test Design, Test Environment Setup, Test Execution, Test Closure, and Defect Retesting. Each of these stages includes specific activities and deliverables that help to ensure that the software is thoroughly tested and meets the requirements of the end users. The approach and the methodology can be used based on the organization's process and structure such as waterfall, agile or Devops. Agile and Devops methodology is becoming popular and implementing in the projects to deliver small features in short timelines to the business and optimizing CI/CD testing.

1.Test Planning : The testing objectives, scope, approach, resources, and schedule are defined. 2. Test Design : Test cases, test scenarios, and test data are created based on requirements and specifications. 3. Test Execution : The actual testing is performed according to the test plans and test cases developed in the previous phases 4. Test Reporting : The results are recorded and analyzed. Test reports are generated to document the findings, including identified defects, their severity, and recommendations for resolution. 5. Test Closure : The testing activities are formally concluded

As a software tester's roles and responsibilities are to prepare test plan, test strategy, write test scenarios and test cases and execute those test cases with all aspects negative and positive on Web/Responsive, Mobile application, API, DB and UI/UX. Duty towards your project to collaborate with your team. And after all this tester roles are - 1 Software tester - QC 2 Software tester - QA 3 Project coordinator 4 Scrum master 5 Project lead 6 Business analyst 7 Management fellow(like HR) etc... But, Tester's primary job is to deliver fine products to the end users so they can experience a quality products!

1.Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst: Responsible for ensuring that the software meets quality standards and requirements. 2. Test Engineer: Involved in designing, implementing, and executing test cases to validate the functionality and performance of the software. 3. Test Automation Engineer: Focuses on developing and implementing automated test scripts and frameworks to streamline the testing process 4. Test Lead/Manager: Leads the testing team and coordinates testing activities throughout the software development life cycle 5. User Acceptance Tester: Represents end-users and performs testing to validate that the software meets their requirements and expectations 6. Security Tester : Focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and security risks

Le testeur est un acteur clé dans le développement logiciel, servant de pont entre les besoins des utilisateurs et les équipes de développement. Ils facilitent la communication, priorisent les risques pour un lancement sécurisé, et encouragent l'automatisation et l'innovation dans les tests. Par leur influence sur la qualité et l'efficacité, les testeurs jouent un rôle central dans la réussite du projet, bien au-delà de la simple identification des défauts.

If your project demands or if you want to grow as SDET be better to be ready with the below skills: 1. Anyone coding automation tool 2. Anyone low-code or no-code automation tool to get to know how things are changing and moving fast 3. Any one programming language and you need to be at the top. 4. At least have hands on different test types, knowledge about tools etc.., 5. That includes your need to be aware of performance testing and security testing tools. See what makes you set is that you're known to test the code in the possible ways. And to that nowadays you need to know more about AI. Believe me, it's going to transform your life if you're going to use it in the best way. That's all. Hope this helps.

Software testing roles include Test Engineer (executes test cases), Test Analyst (designs test cases), Test Lead (oversees testing activities), Test Manager (plans testing strategy), Test Automation Engineer (creates automated scripts), Performance Testing Engineer (evaluates system performance), Security Testing Engineer (identifies vulnerabilities), Usability Testing Engineer (ensures user-friendly interfaces), Test Coordinator (manages testing efforts), and UAT Coordinator (oversees user acceptance testing). Roles may vary based on project size and structure, with each contributing to comprehensive testing and quality assurance.

A software tester tests computer programs to make sure they work well. Sometimes it's tricky because there's not much time, the software keeps changing, and they need to check it on many devices. Testers need good teamwork and use tools to make things easier.

The biggest challenges are the - Software testers do not get much time for e2e testing, requirement changes are frequent so don't get enough time to prepare documentation. So many difficulties for Mobile devices, especially Android have differ differ resolutions. Due to a machine screen size Responsive testing is also a big challenge.

Considero que uno de los retos principales es entender y lograr que todos entiendan conceptualmente la calidad. Cuando cada persona entiende su objetivo y lo ve reflejado en algo “tangible” permite que sea más sencillo adaptar un producto a las necesidades del cliente, esto debido a que lograr ese flexibilidad mental con la que el equipo logra identificar distintos enfoques para lograr “calidad” de distintas formas. Si bien, esto nos necesariamente podría ser responsabilidad del equipo de pruebas (tal vez no siempre) si es importante tener este enfoque como equipo para poder lograr objetivos, en especial, aquellos que no hacen mucho sentido pero que si generan valor al cliente.

One problem I see with some software testers is that they do not understand the business behind the software. It is important to understand the business logic behind since it will also lead to more efficient testing.

The most common challenges faced by any tester: unclear requirements, changing requirements, lack of business/domain knowledge, lack of time due to incorrect estimation maintenance of automation scripts. A software tester needs to overcome these challenges by applying best practices, using appropriate tools, following standards, communicating effectively, and learning continuously.

To be a successful tester its very important to keep yourself in customer's place and think how are they gonna use it. Testing is not only about following process or using automation tools. You need to be think out of the box and do the testing keeping in mind the customer's perspective.

The software tester's role goes beyond just finding defects; effective communication with teams like developers, project owners, designers, and managers is key. Being fluent in both technical and business discussions is crucial. It's vital for testers to be part of the process from documentation to planning and designing, aiming not only to discover bugs but also to proactively prevent errors. Ultimately, the responsibility extends to delivering a high-quality product by actively contributing to the entire development lifecycle.

A software tester’s primary role is to understand the real challenges and frustrations experienced by end users. They should be reviewing user stories and requirements to pinpoint the exact issues that users encounter. Then testers should conduct thorough and systematic tests to verify that every new feature or enhancement effectively addresses those pain points. By stepping into the shoes of a typical user, they should ensure that each improvement not only resolves a specific problem but also streamlines tasks and boosts overall user satisfaction. This careful process guarantees that the final product is both reliable and enjoyable for every use.

A software tester is like a detective in the tech world. They check software to find any bugs or problems. It's not just random clicking; they have a plan to make sure everything in the software works properly. For example, if they're testing a shopping app, they'll go through each step, like adding items to the cart and paying, to see if there are any issues. They write down what they find so the people who make the app can fix these issues. Then, they check again to make sure everything's fixed.

Beyond the technical concepts mentioned, a good tester also possesses excellent communication skills. The ability to collaborate with developers, stakeholders, analysts, and others is crucial for building an application that users can trust.