What is Software Tester Job - Software Tester Role

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What is Software Tester Job

A software tester is a professional who tests the functionality and usability of new or existing software before it goes live. As a software tester, you work closely with developers, providing them feedback on what needs improvement to produce quality software that meets customers' expectations. Your job as a software tester is important in software testing because you help to gauge the quality of the software, and find functional and non-functional defects. Software testers help to reduce the cost and time of development by finding and reporting defects early in the development lifecycle.

Software tester responsibilities

1. Reviewing and analyzing system specifications
2. Writing and executing test cases based on software requirements
3. Reporting and documenting defects
4. Helping to troubleshoot problems
5. Conducting post-release/ post-implementation testing
6. Working with cross-functional teams to ensure quality throughout the software development lifecycle

Software tester role examples

1. In your online shopping website project, you test the functionality of the checkout process, such as adding items to the cart, applying discounts, entering payment details, and confirming the order. You also test the usability of the website, such as the navigation, layout, design, and responsiveness.
2. As a software tester for a mobile game app, you test the performance of the app, such as the loading speed, graphics quality, sound effects, and battery consumption. You test the game play, such as the rules, levels, challenges, rewards, and user interface.
3. In your banking software project, you test the security of the software, such as the encryption, authentication, authorization, and data protection. You test the functionality of the software, such as the transactions, transfers, statements, and alerts.
4. As a software tester for a healthcare software, you test the accuracy of the software, such as the calculations, measurements, diagnoses, and prescriptions. You test the reliability of the software, such as the availability, scalability, backup, and recovery.

Tips for software testers

• Keep learning new technologies and tools that are relevant to your domain and software testing.
• Communicate effectively with your team members and stakeholders. Use clear and concise language to report defects and give feedback.
• Think from the user’s perspective. Try to anticipate their needs, expectations, and problems.
• Be creative and curious. Explore different scenarios and test cases that may not be covered by the specifications or requirements.
• Be organized and systematic. Follow a structured testing process and document your work.

FAQ (interview questions and answers)

1. What are your skills that are important for a software tester job?
   Technical skills (such as programming languages, testing tools, databases), analytical skills (such as logic, reasoning, problem-solving), communication skills (such as writing, speaking, listening), and soft skills (such as teamwork, adaptability, creativity).
2. What are some of the types of testing that you, as a software tester, can perform?
   Functional testing (such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing), non-functional testing (such as performance testing, security testing), usability testing (such as user interface testing), compatibility testing (such as cross-browser testing), regression testing (such as retesting after changes), etc.
3. Is automation testing better than manual testing?
   Automation testing and manual testing have their own advantages and disadvantages. Automation testing is faster, more efficient, more reliable, and more consistent than manual testing. However, automation testing requires more upfront investment in terms of time, money, and resources. Manual testing is more flexible, more intuitive, more creative, and more human than automation testing. However, manual testing is slower, more prone to errors, more tedious, and more repetitive than automation testing. The best approach may be to use a combination of both methods depending on the context and the goal of the testing.

Remember to just comment if you have any doubts or queries.