I want to understand more about being a software tester. What are the key responsibilities, and how does it differ from software development? Are there particular skills or certifications I should aim for after high school to get into this field?
Absolutely, roles in tech like a software tester and a software developer have distinct functions, yet they complement each other in a software development lifecycle.
A software tester is someone who's primarily responsible for ensuring the quality of the software or product before it's delivered to the end-user. Their role can vary from testing the software manually, to scripting automated tests, troubleshooting issues, and documenting test results. Some testers may also be involved in the planning and design stages of project development.
Software testers are different from software developers in that they don't generally write the codes that create the software. Instead, they assess the codes and the whole software for bugs, faults, or inconsistencies. While developers are typically responsible for building the software, testers are the ones who ensure the code runs flawlessly and meets user requirements.
In terms of skills, knowledge of programming languages remains helpful for a software tester, not necessarily to write the software, but to understand it and to create automated tests. Some common languages useful to software testers are Python, Java, and SQL.
There's also the analytical skill, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills that are vital in detecting bugs, faults, and knowing how to reproduce them to give accurate reports to the developers.
As for certifications, they're not always required but they certainly add weight to your qualifications. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) certification is recognized worldwide and would certainly be a top pick. Also, if you're interested in the automation side of testing, Selenium is one of the most widely used tools, so a certification in Selenium WebDriver could be quite beneficial.
When it comes to post-high school paths into software testing, there are quite a few. A bachelor's degree in a related field like Computer Science, IT, or Software Engineering is always a solid path. But you can also begin with coding bootcamps or online courses that specialize in software testing or quality assurance. These aren't substitutes for a formal education but can provide a solid foundation and they are widely available, which could be a great way to start exploring this field.
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