software tester skills

What is software testing?

Software testing is a process of executing a program or application to find software bugs, it can be identified early and can be solved before delivery of the software product. Software testing is improtant because software bugs could be expensive, even dangerous.

Skill required to become a software tester

We have 2 types of software tester skills, they are technical and Non-technical.

Technical skills

  • Basic knowledge of Linux command: Most of the software applications are deployed on Linux machines such as Web services, application services, databases,... So, it’s crucial for testers to have basic knowledge about Linux commands.
  • Basic knowledge of database/SQL: The software system has a large amount of data in the background. This data is stored in different types of databases such as MySQL, Oracle,... in the backend. So, there will be situations when this data needs to be validated. The simple/ complex SQL queries can be used to check whether proper data is stored in the backend database.
  • Know and hands on experience of any defect tracking tool: Defect tracking, defect life cycle are key aspects of software testing.
  • Knowledge and hands on experience of a test management tool: It's an important aspect of testing, without proper test management techniques, the testing process will fail.
  • Knowledge and hands on experience of Automation tools: You must master a tool and get in depth, hands on knowledge of automation tools.

Non-Technical skills

  • Time management & organization skills: A good software tester must effectively manage workload, exhibit optimal time management, have high productivity and organization skills.
  • Communication skill: A good tester must have good verbal and written communication skills. Dealing with developers (in the event of bugs and any other issue) will require a shade of discreteness and diplomacy. Testing artifacts (like test cases/plans, test strategies and bug reports, etc.) created by the software tester should be easy to read and comprehend.
  • Analytical skills: Analytical skills will help break up a complex software system into smaller units to gain a better understanding and create test cases. A good software tester should have sharp analytical skills.
  • Passion
  • Attitude: To become a good tester you must have a great attitude. Your attitude must reflect a certain degree of independence where you take ownership of the task allocated and complete it without much direct supervision.

Conclusion

Unlike the many constructive activities of systems engineering, testing is relatively unique because it is inherently destructive. Testing is a critically important verification method that takes up a very large portion of a project’s resources, including schedule, budget, staffing, and facilities. In addition to defect detection, testing is also performed to provide sufficient objective evidence to justify confidence in the system’s quality, fitness for purpose, and readiness for being accepted and placed into operation.