Relationship between Tester & Developer

No developer would appreciate if a Tester tells him that he does not trust his code. But that should be the attitude of a Tester and more like a ‘Silent Slogan’.  Conflicts between a Tester and a Developer are a well-known fact in software industry. Irony is that, it’s even a Frequently Asked Question to Testers in interviews. A Tester is always expected to handle this relationship wisely.

There can be two ways of driving a Test team in software project- together with the development team or independent from the development team. The choice usually depends on the culture of the company but both has its pros and cons. Irrespective of how they work, the important thing to remember is they share a common motive - to deliver a quality product.  It is only possible through teamwork. Complication arises when they divert from this motive.

A Developer and a Tester are invariably dependent on each other to grow and develop .By maintaining a healthy professional relationship, both can be benefitted.  A developer needs a tester to make his code bug-free and developer not only helps a Tester with his software testing but also developing his technical skills. For a Tester, asking the right questions to developer is very important. This is where the Tester's communicative skills plays a vital role.

Testing Certification- To do or not to do?

Certification is a good value-add to Software Tester's resume. However, it’s not mandatory. These days, there are very few companies who ask for it. Aspiring as well as working Software Tester should only go for it if it suits their pocket.  If someone just started working as Software Tester without a formal training then appearing for a certification exam clears concepts. The best thing about it is it’s not theory-based that one can mug-up and clear an exam.  It’s more reasoning-based where hands-on in Testing would be required.

In India, ISTQB is one such international organisation that provides Testing certifications at different levels.  This not only gives Testers learning but also is affordable. This lifetime valid, worldwide accepted certification is designed with proper weightage to theory and reasoning.

But one should not expect certifications to do miracles on the job front. If you love upgrading skills then go for it.

Understanding Software Testing

What is Software Testing?

Testing a Software isn't all about finding out if it works as it is required to but also finding out ‘When, What, Where,  How’ it does not work.  When I say software here, it not only means a desktop application but also web application, network application, etc.  With the software market increasing worldwide, there is very high chance that it would break. So it becomes the responsibility of a Tester to make sure that ‘everything works and nothing breaks’ before handing it over to its customers. It’s difficult to make complete break-free software, even if it does it should be handled to recover itself.

Who can be a Software Tester?

Not a Software developer. Yes, you heard it right- A Software developer cannot be its Tester.  The logic is simple, one who develops focuses only on its making but not breaking. The primary focus of a Software Tester should be to break the software. It sounds pessimistic but it’s true.

If you are a tech-savvy and interested in trying out new softwares then Software Testing is right field for you.

Characteristics for a good Software Tester:

Visualisation is an important characteristic of a Software Tester. A requirement will only say what the software needs to do but visualisation can help you find all a software can face when in hands of a user.

Not trusting the developer’s code, he might be best programmer in your company. There have been cases where the best software company’s best programmers made the basic blunders. Leave no stone unturned when testing software.

Up-to-date with the current software market, helps a software tester to  understand the benchmarks used . A software tester should know how softwares around you have been doing. Software tester these days not only find bugs but also gives idea how to make a better software.