Software Testing & QA Learn Guide

Software testing is not what it was an era ago. In the last couple of years, it has transformed a lot. In this eon of evolving technology, having a career in software is a commendable choice. When we think about our career path, the first and foremost thing that comes to our mind is the scope and potential of the domain in upcoming years. And software promises to be an ever-growing industry to give you a remarkable career.??

Interested in becoming a software tester? Whether you want to improve your Software Tester skills on the job or want to know about learning methodologies to secure certification, here’s what you need to know.?

This is a snippet of a more expanded learn guide, to explore more on this or examine several different learn paths. You can find the link to it towards the end.?

Software Testing

Software Testing is an activity performed to verify the software for any defects, bugs or errors which may further lead to software malfunction in the foreseeable future. It is essential to ensure smooth functioning of the operations on the system. It also facilitates the process of evaluating the functionality of a software application with the purpose to know whether the developed software meets the specified requirements and produces the rightful results.

The software testing process includes eight stages: Test Planning, Test Monitoring and Control, Test Analysis, Test Design, Test Implementation, Test Execution, and Test Completion.

Quality Assurance

It is different from Software Testing. It refers to a process of activities to check the quality and performance of the developed software and ensure consistency throughout its results. The main aim of this is to deliver a product that is up to customer expectations and on time.

Learning Methodologies

Now that you are familiar with this field, you might want to know how to take the first step towards this profession. Entering any field generally comes with a set of academic requirements. And, so there are two ways available to fulfill this requirement; they are online and offline modes of learning. Well, both have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. But at the end of the day, it comes down to your requirements and preferences. If you are wanting to have an immersive learning experience, then the offline mode is suitable for you. And, if you are seeking a more flexible approach to learning, then the online mode is ideal for you.?

As per the facts stated above, opting for an online mode of learning is more beneficial than traditional learning. In this tech-savvy era, online learning will perfectly suit you in regards to feasibility, cost, time, and mobility.

Skills Needed

We will go through some soft and technical skills required to become a Software Tester. Compare your current skills against the following set of skills to find out how close you are to excelling in this field.

Soft skills

These are non-technical skills and essentially help in becoming a competent software quality tester.?

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: As a software tester, your job role will include drafting test cases, test strategies, bug reports, etc. This is where effective communication skills will come in handy.?
• Collaboration Skills: To become a good and approachable software tester, you must have a great attitude. You should possess a warm and cordial personality and take efforts towards socializing with your team members.?
• Empathy: By stepping into the shoes of the end-user and practicing empathy will enable you to understand the user’s expectations and needs which will further facilitate enhanced customer satisfaction.?
• Adaptability: Staying updated with the latest trends in IT and having the willingness to learn new skills will empower your flexibility to constantly incline towards your goal.?
• Delegation Skills: This might be a demanding job and so a good software tester is expected to efficiently manage workload, deliver high productivity and exhibit excellent time management and organizational skills.?
• Data analysis: This helps in breaking complicated software systems into smaller units to gain an improved understanding of the system.?

Technical skills

The following are some of the important technical skills:

• Knowledge of Database languages: This software application usually has large chunks of data in its background, which is stored on different types of databases like Oracle, MySQL, etc. This data further needs to be validated, and this is where having basic knowledge of SQL/Database comes into play.?
• Linux operating system: It is essential to possess basic knowledge of Linux as, generally, software systems deploy Linux systems.?
• Issue and project Tracking softwares: The main purpose of testing software systems is to detect any kind of defects, and so it is extremely important to handle the defects properly and systematically track them with the help of defect tracking tools like Jira and Bugzilla.?
• Test Management Tools: Test management plays a significant role in software testing. Hence, it is critical to have good knowledge and some hands-on experience on any type of test management tool.?
• Expertise in Tools for Automation: A software tester must have knowledge and understanding of automation tools like Selenium, Cucumber, Worksout, and Appium.

Factors to look for in a course

Following are some key factors that you should keep in mind while selecting a course for yourself.?

• See whether the particular platform offers preparation for the ISTQB level.
• Look at the course syllabus that the platform offers.
• Check whether they provide any perks like certificates or recommendations.?
• Examine the platform’s background and infrastructure.
• Check whether the platform provides flexibility in learning.?

Conclusion

In this digital age, there are advancements in career opportunities for testers in the IT industry, and it is bound to flourish even more in the coming years. Thus, this is a domain that’s likely to be very stable and secure for quite some time now.?

No matter whether you just want to get started and learn more about this field or you are anticipating to move up the ladder. To know more, you may go through our comprehensive learn guide for Software Testing & QA , where we have broadly discussed the concept and basics of software testing and quality assurance, influencing factors, learning approaches, career opportunities, and a lot more.??

We also offer various far-reaching learn paths in different domains. You can examine them from our advice page . ?