Software tester (Software Tester)
Information on this skill...
A software tester is an ICT specialist, who is responsible for various activities related to software. The main task of a software tester is to check software for possible errors or other shortcomings. A software tester often works via a so-called test plan. The software tester then gets some of the software to be tested to try out. The testing of software can also be carried out in different phases, such as during the development phase or just if the software has already been released. In addition, it may involve adjustments that must then be tested. Software testing is a professional profession, in which a test is designed and executed in a structured way according to test specification techniques. This is often done by experienced ICT specialists, who are called software tester. Software testing is very important, as it is almost impossible for programmers to deliver error-free software. It is the software testers who detect the errors and possible shortcomings within usually complex programs. When software developers build software, it is almost impossible to do this flawlessly. This is especially the case when it comes to complicated programs. These errors only come to light by testing the software extensively. Thus, it is the job of the software tester to detect and record these errors. Detecting the errors in the development phase or final phase is important, because the errors are still easy to correct. Even after software has been released, it can be important to continue to monitor software, because there may still be bugs, which may be fixed by performing an update. If software testers have carried out their work in the right way, this generally only concerns small adjustments.
In addition to detecting any errors in software, a software tester is generally also responsible for testing the user-friendliness of software. Think, for example, of monitoring whether all steps within the program are structured in a logical way, so that end users can work with the program in a pleasant way. Testing new software programs often takes a lot of time, because a software tester has to test programs in different ways. Testing software in an extensive way is very important, because having to repair software errors afterwards is in many cases very difficult and difficult. It is not the case that there should be no errors at all within a program, because this is almost impossible to prevent, especially with complex software programs. For example, if a new game comes out, it is often necessary to make an update within a week, because games are generally very complex. These types of programs are generally not flawless to deliver, because the programs are too complex. It is usually not about big mistakes, but about small things within the game, which do not work quite right. These shortcomings will then be remedied via updates. In this way, the users unconsciously cooperate in the detection of errors in a game. Software testers contribute to an important part of the final quality of software.
WORKING AS A SOFTWARE TESTER
Professional software developers generally use multiple software testers, as software testing is very important. It is conceivable that a software tester can also be classified as a programmer, but this does not always have to be the case. In most cases, a software tester is only responsible for detecting and registering errors, which are then later corrected by the right professionals. For this purpose, a software tester will draw up a test report, in which the research results are precisely described. Depending on the type of software, testing software can take one day or months. As a software tester, you generally have to deal with different types of software and not just games. All new software generally needs to be tested before software can be released. It is fairly common for junior software developers to be used for software testing.
SOME ACTIVITIES OF A SOFTWARE TESTER:
- Informing all interested parties about the test results
- Retesting any improvements
- Drawing up test plans
- Testing software in a structured way
- Testing the user-friendliness of software
- Developing test scripts
- Recording test results
WHAT DOES A SOFTWARE TESTER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A SOFTWARE TESTER
There are no recognized training opportunities for the profession of software tester. In general, a software tester will have a suitable ICT education, such as the MBO application developer course or the HBO programme HBO-ICT. The profession of software tester should generally be seen as a profession at at least hbo level. There are, however, external courses for ICT employees who wish to specialize in software testing. Despite the fact that the testing of software can nowadays also be carried out partly automatically, the profession of software tester can still be regarded as an important profession. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an independent entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A SOFTWARE TESTER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A software tester is generally useful for companies that have to deal with ICT services. This can be, for example, a software developer or companies that have their own ICT department. In general, it is only the larger software companies and other types of companies that use specialized software testers. It is also conceivable that a software tester works as a consultant, because the work of a software tester can be regarded as specialized work. It is also conceivable that a software tester works as an entrepreneur.
COMPETENCES SOFTWARE TESTER
The most important competence of a software tester is that he or she has test knowledge. Test knowledge should not be underestimated, because test knowledge must be seen very broadly. In addition, it is very important that a software tester has good analytical thinking skills. Because a software tester will in many cases work together with different professionals, such as programmers, software engineers and the product owner, communication can be regarded as an important competence. Other important competencies as a software tester are creativity, precision and critical. Despite the fact that a software tester does not have to be a programmer, it is important that the software tester has sufficient affinity with the ICT industry. Because a software tester in many cases works within a management environment, general management skills can also be regarded as an important competence. Generally important words are motivation, inspiration, independence, planning, organizing and research skills.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A SOFTWARE TESTER
The job market perspective as a software tester is generally good, if you have the right education and / or studies. The demand for good software testers is generally fairly high, because the work of a software tester can be regarded as important work. In fact, a software tester can work anywhere within various types of organizations that have to do with ICT. The career opportunities for a software tester should be seen in gaining more responsibilities. Think, for example, of the position scrum master or the function of unit manager. The career opportunities as a software tester do depend on the level of education and your own competencies.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY SOFTWARE TESTER
A software tester in paid employment usually earns between 3000 and 4500 euros gross per month, depending on his age and experience. However, the salary may be different depending on other activities within the company. Hired software testers typically work for a fixed fee per hour.
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