A Day in the Life of a Software Tester
Just what does a software tester do? Even though the job title seems self-explanatory, there are some misconceptions about what functions a software tester actually performs. Yes, a software tester tests how well software works. Yes, he or she spends a lot of time looking for ‘bugs’ or flaws in programs. However, usually, fixing these flaws is not the responsibility of the software tester. In fact, the person who tests the programs often has little say in how or even whether problems are fixed. (If there is very little time available for testing and refining a program, especially when it won’t be released to the public, only the largest problems are fixed right away.) Finding software bugs is not the only thing a software tester does; he or she also documents, or gathers information about, the usage of the program. This information can be used by the designers, engineers, and programmers to improve the program or it can be turned into a troubleshooting guide or user manual.
Clearly, a software tester must know plenty about how computers work and how a program will be used. The following bullet points contain a simplified list of tests that a software tester would perform on an average day on the job. For purposes of discussion, we’ll suppose that the software under review is something we are all familiar with: a stripped-down word processing program like WordPad.
- Build Verification Tests. Before a new program can be tested, a build verification test (BVT) is run. This process is usually automated, and it ensures that the program works well enough to be tested further. A program that fails this test goes straight back to the software developers.
- Functionality Tests. Once the BVT is completed, the program is tested according to what normal use would be. For a word processor, this would include basics like typing a document.
- Functional Negative Tests. This test deals with things outside a program’s usual function. If a user hits an unexpected combination of keys, what happens? Does the program shut itself down without harming anything else, or does it freeze or crash the whole computer?
- Integration Tests. How well does this program work when other applications are running? Similar tests are also run to make sure there are no conflicts between the operating system (Windows 7, for example) and the program.
- Security Tests. What happens if a user tries to access part of the program that normally would be off-limits? This usually doesn’t happen with word processors, but with software that handles sensitive information, like names and financial records, it should definitely be checked.
- Usability Tests. Is the software easy to run? When you hit the print button, does it print? Can you easily find the print button? How is the overall design? Would an average or even a novice user be able to figure it out? This needs to be addressed as well.
- Performance Tests.What happens if you leave this program running for long periods of time? Does it freeze up after an hour or two? Does it make the system unstable? How about multitasking? Can it handle simultaneous clicks, button presses, and functions? Simulating both normal use and bizarre, unheard-of demands makes sure this program really can hold its own.
- Globalization/Localization Tests. Will it be easy to translate this program into a different language? Will people from different cultural backgrounds find the program easy to use? Will they be able to easily adapt it to local needs? Can your team successfully adapt it to your company’s needs?
This is only part of what a software tester must check, recheck, and often check again. While a keen mind is necessary for someone in this field, a tolerance of routine and the ability to concentrate are invaluable!
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