Skills You Need for Software Testing

Testing is important in the production process of any software application as it helps to spot bugs and defects and also helps meet customer demands and market requirements. As a software tester, you will be entrusted with the job of testing software to hunt detect and rectify fallacies. A software testing training is an entry-level course and anyone with a knack for testing can enroll for it. Testing is not an isolated event, and neither is it a one-step process. Testing begins almost as soon as the idea of a software is sparked. Testers often need to work in tandem with software developers to arrive at an infallible software application that can meet the market standards and deliver quality results. Testing is no more relegated as the underdogs of the software business. Employers are beginning to understand the crucial role they play in helping a software meet economic goals and pool in a good revenue. But before you jump headlong into software testing, here is a list of the skills you need to arm yourself with:

Logical reasoning and analysis - 

Testing needs an observant eye and a rational mind. Logical reasoning and rational analysis are two of the most important qualities to possess as a tester to identify errors and rectify situations that do not meet expectations.  Having good analytical and reasoning skills helps in validating applications against different scenario and examine its elements, workflows against pre-defined standards. This further aids in assessing relevant information, raise clear questions, identify strengths and weaknesses without being biased, which helps with the right course of action and solution.

Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC) - 

SDLC is a  process the software industry adopts to design, develop and test high-quality software applications. The SDLC principles are at the core of any testing method. It is absolutely mandatory to have a complete and thorough knowledge of SDLC as it will help you understand the application development tasks and plan testing cycles easily. It will also help anticipate complexities in the application which can guide in taking the right measures beforehand.

Testing tools and techniques - 

Automated testing makes use of many tools to test the software under different circumstances. It is necessary for every tester to be aware of different testing techniques and use of tools. Regardless of the domain and application type, the knowledge of different testing types likes black box testing, penetration testing, security testing, system testing, unit testing, etc. makes testers versatile, helping them work on any sort of project. Moreover, with the number of tools that have been available in the marketing such bug tracking tools, test management tools, GUI testing tools, automation tools etc. it is also important for testers to get the hang of these tools to serve different requirements and complexities of the project.

Coding - 

Testers need coding as much as developers do. It is important to understand the inside out of the application so that it becomes easy to comprehend its functioning and create tests accordingly. Mastery over a programming language helps in identifying errors in the application code which further reduces the chances of bugs and application discrepancies. 

DevOps - 

DevOps is known for promoting integration between the development and deployment teams in an organization. DevOps helps with cross-functional teamwork right from the development, analysis, and QA which yields high-quality end product at a faster time-to-market. Correct implementation of DevOps removes the role rigidity and silos, allowing teams to pay close attention to phase-wise development and continuous releases.
Automation tools - Automated tools like LoadRunner and Selenium are used to test the software for load, stress, traffic and much more. Automated tests are preferred to manual testing as they are more reliable, has more scope, reusable and inexpensive. Mastering one or more such tools will place you in good stead in the testing market. 

Web and mobile technologies - 

Every tester must also get familiar with the web and mobile technologies so that they can understand the type of application, its built and scalability and apply a suitable course of action for its testing. It is highly important that testers keep a tab on the web and mobile technology advancements since it guides them in comprehending the coding architecture and technical challenges to deliver effective QA solutions.

Test planning - 

Each software testing process involves numerous steps. Testing suites are created to conduct tests on software. Determining the scope 9of test is crucial while planning and designing test suites. A skilled tester will be able to create dynamic test suites with a wide scope to test the software for multiple factors and situations. A well-documented test process also can help both individual testers as well as enterprises to allocate the right budget and resources to a project which is why test planning and documentation skill is one of the important skills every tester must learn.

Business skills - 

One of the main purposes of software testing is to ensure greater customer satisfaction, which translates as a better business health. Developing a keen business sense is sure to earn you brownie points. If you can look at a software from a commercial point of view and adapt it to generate more revenue, half your work is done.  
Willingness to learn - The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. Your profession is teaching you something new every day, and you should be willing to learn them. Testing is a journey that will continue for as long as you work.  If you are not learning anything new, you are not testing. 

Management skills - 

Testing is no cakewalk. It entails long hours and punishing deadlines. It calls for industriousness and patience. Managing your time and projects like a pro is essential. A tester needs to have a thorough plan and must develop a well-thought test strategy. The plan developed should be monitored continually, and validations should be done through organized system feedback. 

Communication skills - 

Although often overlooked, communication is key is testing. A good deal of your work will involve collaborating with software developers and business heads to decide on strategies for testing and also discussing results. This calls for strong verbal and written communication skills where you are able to express yourself clearly. Good communication prevents ambiguities and inconsistencies. 

Creativity and curiosity - 

Software testing is a process that requires creativity and intellectual bend of mind. Intellectuality and creativity cannot be learned, however, one can try to think out-of-the-box by questioning the application behavior and analyze different sides of the application to understand it’s working. Also by applying intelligent insights and solutions, testers can explore different test scenarios, identify defect probabilities and seek possible solutions for delivering effective product quality.

Interpersonal skills - 

Apart from core testing skill needed by testing professionals, good interpersonal skills are must for any testing role. The testing role requires influencing, negotiating and a bit of diplomacy. Developing good interpersonal skills will help you in a corporate scenario. 
A career in software testing can be rewarding as testers are an indispensable part of any software development process. It also comes with handsome pay packages and regular increments. If you want to make testing your forte and your profession, enroll for a software testing training without much ado.