The tester software: for errors

Job tester appeared not so long ago: to find a man now, let's say a 10-year-old work experience, almost impossible. It is believed that the first testers are experts in quality - staff who checked the software (SW) for compliance with state standards. However, the responsibilities of a modern tester is not limited to a simple collation of certain indicators: Test today - a complex, multi-stage work that accompanies the process of creating a software product from beginning to end.

What was the impetus for the emergence of a new profession - the tester software? It's simple: gradually, software companies have realized that a key component of the success of any software product is, first of all, its quality. As a result, if a few years ago, the profession was considered a rare and not very popular, but now the demand for testers on the order exceeds the supply (according to some estimates, a competitor for about 20 proposals from employers).

Software testing can work in the IT-companies that develop software and web sites, as part of the independent testing group or in companies engaged exclusively in software testing: in any organization implementing its own automation system (for example, many banks have their own departments of development and testing BY).

In the wake of the programmer

Aims and objectives of the tester fit into a simple formula - make the program better. Perfectly conveys the meaning of the work of professional testers joke:

- What are testers?

- To the programmer, proud to say "! I did it", was from whom to hear: "Well, look, what nonsense you do!".

tester work resembles the work of an investigator or a detective: he is on the "hot pursuit" and seeks a programmer error (in professional language - bugs). In the course are different deductive methods and hidden techniques. To find hidden in the heart of the program error, you need to be resourceful: ask the right questions, the programmer to know the psychology and be able to predict exactly where the bug may hide shifty. Professional will never be limited to the implementation of the pattern-matching test plan, he will come up with their own ways of testing, try different ways and combinations.

It is not enough to check the program for errors, the most important task of testing - to make the program be what it would like to see the customer. There are some difficulties: it is often subjected to testing almost ready software, and in this case, to radically change some settings in the program is no longer possible. The right approach - to conduct the intermediate tests at every stage of software development, only if the customer has a real chance to get the desired product.

Search and Destroy

A common problem testers (and programmers too) - the lack of clear requirements from the customer. It is difficult to please the customer, who does not know what he wants. Interact directly with the customer, the tester does not have to - these functions are assigned to analysts. They communicate with customers, finding out their wishes and prepare terms of reference (specifications). Terms of reference and have the same standard, which are equal to the software developers and testers.

After receiving a task, the programmer starts. The tester (ideally) should be "on the heels" of the developer: Identify and analyze the defects of reports on the progress of the testing. In essence, the earlier one or the other error is found, the better the end result. At various stages of the program may change, acquiring new features, functions and capabilities (which originally were not spelled out in the terms of reference, but there on the recommendation of the testing).

Handyman

In most companies, the tester - wagon, jack of all trades: he has all kinds of tests, and there are about a dozen (functional, user interface localization, security, compatibility, positive and negative, manual and automated, etc...). He combines the functions of a test designer, test developer and administrator of the test system.

Ideally, each tester should engage in a particular case and to specialize in a particular test form (so, at least, is the case in large companies testirovochnyh). On the other hand, multi-functionality - the perfect base for professional and career growth.

By the way, the same test group is often necessary to maintain several projects. This work - another great way to rapid accumulation of useful knowledge and skills.

Professional should know:

 Of OS Windows (if required - Mac OS);

 programming language in which the written application under test (basic knowledge);

 basic test automation system (SilkTest, Rational Robot, etc...);

 Error Reporting System (Rational ClearQuest, TrackStudio and so on. d.)

 various kinds of applications (Web, Windows);

 basic testing methodologies (CMM, RUP, MSF);

 technical English.

Study on testers

In universities is no separate profession for testers. The companies involved in software testing and trying to find experienced professionals, this situation is, of course, unhappy. However, representatives of universities - their view on this issue.

So, if you plan to operate the tester should choose any specialty related to programming and software development:

 "Automated systems for information processing and management"

 "Computers, complexes, systems and networks"

 "Computer Science and Engineering"

 "Information systems and technology."

We work at home

A definite plus tester profession - the ability to work remotely. Particularly prevalent in remote testing web applications. Beta testing (special type of testing on the latest phase of the) always takes place outside the office. Beta-testers - is, as a rule, the future users of the product, they are like anyone else interested in the program to be most convenient. In particular, always exposed to beta test computer games, as well as the testers are the gamers, for whom a better job and invent complicated: they are a new toy and get paid for it.

Career growth

To get a trainee position in the IT-company is not difficult, even more so, many firms prefer to grow their own personnel: hire people with no experience and train them in specialized courses (own or external) or directly into the "combat conditions". Standard scheme career: tester trainee - a specialist in testing - the leading specialist testing - test manager - head of quality control department.