As we all realize, A Tester’s job in the process of making software is as important as the developer. Once the software is developed, it becomes essential to test it and check for bugs and errors. If in this process, the tester has any misconceptions and prejudices about the method, it becomes a problem. Because then the testing is not done with the precision it demands. Nowadays, many people working in the field have numerous misbelief about the testing process. This culture ultimately affects the user experience and harms much good software’s future.

Even when we look at the testing capabilities of a tester and the pressure that has been put on him, the gap is vividly large between expectations and reality. It is also a common myth that software testers are not that important.

In this article, we debunk 7 fallacies that surround the work of a software tester and the testing process itself. Let’s have a look.

1. Software Testing is easy and boring.

Many of the officials in the technological field think that testing is an easy and regular job.

Contrary to this, testing software needs constant brainstorming and monitoring. A tester’s job is not at all mundane if one is passionately following the method and constantly thinking of new ideas to test the respective software. Just like we eat every day to gain energy, the software also needs testing at regular intervals to be a good experience for the users. Hence, the job of a tester should not be ignored and should be given respect as it is the maintenance that matters the most.

And, FYI, there is some serious hard work that goes into the process of testing. If the job seems boring, the tester is not doing it right. Constant explorations, Consistent monitoring, and Creative mindset are the primary abilities a tester should have. If these are present, then the work becomes fun and fun becomes work!

So, if you can’t change the perspective, change the mindset. When the tester enables himself to have a fresher take on his work, the work becomes more challenging and breaks through from the monotonous zone to a challenging arena.

2. A Tester can do any type of testing

This is another mindless argument that a tester can test anything. How senseless of people to think that she/he can test anything without having the resources, time, budget, infrastructure she/he needs.

The disappointment is obvious if you expect a software tester to be able to test all the test cases with limited resources and lesser time. A tester who is a pro always gives priorities to the requirements and builds crucial test scenarios. The quantity of these test scenarios is large and it becomes impossible for the tester to do it all. Hence, People in the industry should not just assume that after testing the software, all the bugs and errors are gone.

The obvious question here is why a tester can’t resolve all the bugs. It’s not all in tester’s hand. The companies and the investors should provide the tester with all the necessary amenities. Good Infrastructure, necessary resources, more time are some of the things which the tester needs. Afterall, Testing can only show what is present and not what is absent. So, the officials should expect less and provide more.

3. Tester’s job is to find bugs

It’s not completely false but it’s not the whole truth. Surely, A tester’s one of the jobs is to find errors in the software. But other than that, a tester works on various aspects for the maintenance of the software.

Apart from detecting bugs, testers need to review the architecture of the software, analyze and study the requirements, report a review and feedback to develop the software more, and design it as such that it will be more user friendly. He also needs to authenticate the help documents for the software. These are just a few of the additional tasks. The point is that one should not underestimate the tester’s responsibilities.

4. Testers are of no worth to the software

A straight-out myth! Yes, software testing is not the same as software development but its high time that people should realize that it’s no less either. It’s like saying that analysis is less important than creation. It requires the same amount of intellect and knowledge about the method as development does.

A software tester who is great at his/her work will always know the ins and outs of the respective software. The programmers who develop the software always work on specified areas, modules, and functions of the software. On the other hand, the tester has to have an overall knowledge of the software. The analysis and understanding of the software are done by the tester from start to end. The tester’s job demands this analysis be done as he needs to check whether there are any errors in the product.

5. Automation will replace humans in the testing industry

This rumor is spread by the people who are involved in the automation industry. It is not at all true and if we have to recognize one bad effect of this then it is the effect on upcoming software testers. It’s because of this rumor, techno-geeks don’t consider testing as their career.

It’s not going to happen. If you are thinking why not, let me tell you. Some years ago, people used to say that AI will take over the world in a few years. Well, I don’t see any regular AIs roaming around.

Full automation is not the way of the future. We need to understand that humans created machines. It’s all our brainchild. One primary thing which these machines lack is ‘Instinct’. Without human instinct, not even humans can do what is needed. It’s a natural gift we have as a species.

Yes, we agree that test automation can help in so many basic things like detecting colors, fonts, layout, etc. but it can never be creative and tell you that which color you should use so that the layout will look good. Its things like these that confirm that it’s not gonna happen yet.

One of the other main things is that not all tests can be automatized even in the future. Some tests should only be done by a human precisely.

Sure, we should not discard Automation testing. It helps and will help in the future too to do some vigorous calculations and tasks which are too time-consuming for the human testers. E.g. Processes like Performance testing and load testing require automation testing as it saves a lot of time for the human tester.

Hence, Replacement is not the key but Collaboration is.

6. Testers get a kick by breaking your code

If anyone is helping the software to be one step better than before, it is the tester. First of all, People should get this clear that Testers are not against the developers or programmers. They are both on the same side. They don’t get any pleasure in breaking your code.

The Irony is that testers detect the problems in the code done by the programmers. The problem already exists and the tester detects it by analyzing and reports them to the developer so that changes can be made which will ultimately help the software look good. See, you all are on the same side!

Frankly speaking, It won’t’ be possible for developers and stakeholders to build perfect software without testers!

7. Testers and Developers are enemies

If you are on a managing board of a software company, and you are promoting this villainous behavior, then you are setting a wrong precedent. Friendly behavior should be promoted between these two fields. Both of them are like Yin Yang. The whole picture won’t be complete if any one of them is not present.

You should see it step by step. First, the developer creates the code, and then the tester checks if there are any bugs in it. After this, he reports the bugs found to the developer, and then after coding the software again, the tester again checks if any bug is still present. In this give and take, it necessary that the communication between these teams should be smooth. They can’t be enemies as they are the 2 legs on which the software is standing. Rather both of them should coordinate. The tester should ask the developer for some tricks and ways to find the bugs. As the developer has written the code, he might know if anything is doubtful.

Only such a harmonious environment in a company can help build an empire.

Conclusion

To summarize, the testers are as important in the software industry and one should not discriminate them. The job of testing is hard and it is quite evident that the digital world won’t be like it is today, if not for testers doing their job perfectly.

The workspace of software development companies should promote a healthy environment by giving testers enough and good resources to work with and by not creating enmity between them and new automation technology.

As Automation is not the enemy, neither are the developers. A good bond should be created between testers and programmers for the betterment of the software and ultimately to give the user a memorable experience.

So, these were the most misunderstood facts about the testing industry and the testers. Get them straight in your mind. Its high time for these basic myths to be debunked but better late than never!

Let’s make this world a better place by creating some genius software!

About VTEST

VTEST is an independent software testing company catering to product and service teams across the globe. We are a team of software testers who are passionate about quality and love to test. We develop an in-depth understanding of the applications under test and include software testing services strategies that deliver quantifiable results.

In short, we help in building incredible software.