Software testing is a field of engineering that relies on the operating system, application programming, and website code to complete certain tasks. The job of software testers is to ensure that the software (or website) runs correctly by testing for bugs, glitches, and other errors. Testing software is usually done manually. There are some programs run by machines where the results are not entirely in with human interaction. Still, these automated testing systems have raised concerns due to lack of manual oversight regarding hacking into computer networks. Here are tips to improve your testing efficiency.
- Organize everything
This applies to everyone because everyone develops software! It does not matter if you’re a programmer or a QA engineer. It’s important for you to keep your work organized by grouping similar functions together, similar data, and similar tasks together. Organizing this way will make it easier for you to perform the job of software testing because everything will be easy to find when you need it. Labelling files, making charts and naming conventions can also help organize your work so that each work you did can be found easily.
- Write bug reports
Bug reports are important because they document the bugs and glitches in your software, website or apps. You may have a problem with your software where users complain that they cannot access certain content. In such cases, it is important to document what you have observed and what users say they’re experiencing. You will also document the steps taken to resolve this issue from when you first noticed it and when it was resolved. You can point out the error if you meet with an issue again.
- Write clear test cases
It is very important that you write test cases. Test cases are very helpful because they will guide a tester in what to do and look for. It will also help a QA engineer understand the test’s context and which part of the software needs to be examined. Test cases are sometimes written before and after testing is finished to ensure everything goes according to plan.
- Participate and communicate
By involving yourself in the testing process, you will write better test cases because you will understand the context of the software. You would also be able to assist other testers when they have questions about a certain area of the software or when an error is observed. If you’re absent from a test and someone brings up a question about a certain error, it will be good to have experienced QA engineers who can guide them.
Conclusion
Software testing is a part of software engineering. It should be part of the software development life cycle and not pushed to the end. Some people develop software in their free time, but when it comes to testing, they would rather say this is something for somebody else because it’s too much work. The testers need to ask for resources to help them with their testing activities.
