Designing software is challenging. But even when developed, the software has to go through another critical phase: testing. And the one in charge of this phase is the software tester.
I’m a software tester. I know how hard it is to find and fix errors in software. But this challenging job keeps me excited. If you wonder why it’s that interesting to me, I will tell you about a day in the life of a software tester. Let’s dive in!
An Overview Of Software Testing
A software tester works with computers to ensure programs work correctly. They also work with other engineers to check the performance of the software. If there are any problems, they will fix them immediately.
Software testers help organizations provide good products to their customers. They are also responsible for preventing cyberattacks.
These testers are important in software development because almost any organization requires software for specific purposes. In this case, software testers play the role of guardians.
A Day In The Life Of A Software Tester
I have many tasks to cover, and all of them are about testing software. But my days also come with other interesting things.
At Work
I work full-time, so I spend eight hours a day at the office. As a software tester, I handle the following tasks:
Review software requirements
The first thing to do is to review the requirements of the software. I check them many times so I don’t miss anything important.
After that, I think of different testing scenarios. For example, if the software is about tracking health conditions, I will test things like how the software monitors the user’s heart rate.
My goal here is to ensure the software can adapt to users’ requirements. If there are any errors, I will fix them.
Design and create automated testing programs
How can I test the software? The solution is simple: I design the testing program. Programming languages like Java and Python help me with this task.
It takes time to build the program from scratch. However, once I succeed, I can test the software automatically.
For example, a social media app needs a password and username to log in. So, I design a testing program that can pretend to be a user. Then, it tries different passwords and usernames automatically. This method helps me see if the app lets the right user in.
Detect and analyze software issues
Analyzing software issues is essential, too. After analyzing, I can tell what’s wrong with the software and come up with a solution.
For this task, I break down the software into small pieces. Then, I look at each piece to see if anything seems wrong. Once detected, the problem can be solved quickly!
Provide feedback with software function and design
As you can see, I test the software carefully. But what’s for? It’s because another part of my job is to give feedback on how the software works.
My feedback helps my team make the software easier for everyone to use. I’m like a helpful friend to everyone who wants to make the software look as fantastic as possible.
Report major findings
If I find something important while testing the software, I create reports to tell my managers about it.
In my reports, I write down all the details about the software. For example, I explain what I found out and if any issues need attention.
My reports help my managers make important decisions. They can decide how much budget to spend on the software. And if the issues prevent the software from working, my company may delay its launch.
After Work
Once I’m done for the day, I relax. My brain needs some rest time. After that, it can be ready for the next challenge!
I also like to keep up with new trends in the technology field. So I can expand my knowledge and improve my skills.
I want to learn new things, too. Aside from my hobbies, I spend time joining online classes. I feel excited about getting to know new techniques that can help with my job.
Additional Tasks And Schedules
I work with talented colleagues, such as programmers, designers, and software developers. We help each other and aim for one goal: create the best software!
I also interact with clients. Their requirements are the maps for my job. So, I talk with them sometimes to understand their needs.
Resource Management Challenges
Sometimes, I face challenges in managing resources. To solve this problem, I have to use the right tools. Time management is important as well.
I also have problems with the test lead. For example, I come to work early, but the test lead is absent. In this case, I have to contact them via email or phone.
Is Software Testing The Right Profession For You?
Software testing is an exciting job for me. If you are considering this career path, wonder yourself these questions:
- Do you like solving problems? Software testing is about detecting and fixing problems. So, be ready to face tricky puzzles at work!
- Are you patient? Sometimes, I get stuck with a program for hours and still can’t find what’s wrong. Imagine yourself in this scenario. If you can be patient in figuring out errors, then you may be a good software tester.
- Do you like computers? I look at the computer screen all day. Is it okay with you? If the answer is yes, good for you! Being a software tester can suit you well!
This job has many challenges. However, it’s rewarding because you play an important role in launching software. The high salary is also a big plus.
Final Thoughts
Software testing is essential because every software has potential risks. I’m proud of being the one that eliminates those issues.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you have any questions about this career, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I will reply to you soon.
Thank you for reading!