Testing may not be the most glamorous job in the software world, but it plays an essential role in creating functional software.
This article busts some myths that have been perpetuated about testing and shows how testing is not only very useful but also something worth being passionate about.
1. Testing is boring
One of the most pervasive untruths is that testing is a boring and lonely endeavor. Rather than being a monotonous affair, testing cases is an opportunity to sharpen observation skills. Testers push software to its limits and help their colleagues develop its full potential.
2. Testing is expensive
In the long run, testing a product actually saves money. It’s less likely that the team will have to spend hours providing customer support or rolling out patches once the product is on the market. Once a problem is found, the team has to put in time, effort, and money to smooth out the kinks. When these are fixed, the team can roll out the product, safe in the knowledge that users will enjoy an impeccable experience.
3. Testing is not creative
There’s a great deal of discovery to be made when looking at a new piece of software. The more open and perceptive the tester is, the more effective he is in detecting errors. Naturally, you need to analyze a situation logically when a problem is identified, but software often contains errors that aren’t so obvious. In this case testers have to step back and absorb the whole picture to see what is missing.
4. Testing only requires low-level competence
Many testers are in fact highly educated professionals who are often certified by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board. Many others have degrees in software engineering. Testing is a complex craft that presents many challenges that must be unraveled before the product can hit the shelves.
5. Testers and developers are rivals
Actually, the two work side by side in a team, and if there are any disagreements, then agile methodology encourages them to sort out their differences in an open and constructive manner. There are dedicated professionals in both fields, and communication between the two is important.
Most testing nowadays is automated and more in line with agile and Scrum philosophy. But even though technology helps testers do their jobs even better, it cannot replace them completely.
In any team testers are key members and, together with their colleagues, they ensure that the software that gets delivered will satisfy and exceed users’ expectations.
Are testers undervalued in an IT team? What are the best and worst things about being a tester? Leave a comment below and share your opinion.
