It is in human nature to surround anything beyond their knowledge parameter with myths and false claims. We have seen how misconceptions are created and circulated even about the most mundane things around us. When things get technical, false assumptions regarding them are a given. The world of software is also not separated from this trend, especially when it comes to software testing. There are many myths of software testing but we will debunk all those right here with interesting facts about software testing.
Here are some myths of software testing that we will confront with software testing facts!
Myth 1. Software Testing happens only after it’s fully developed
Fact: Absolutely not! In fact, testers have to be involved right from the nascent stage of the development of the software. And if not done, it may prove to be disastrous later on. A software must be tested from time to time in order to avoid bigger issues at the end which would be more difficult to analyze at that time and therefore, would be more time consuming to rectify.
Moreover, if a testing team is associated with the project since its inception, they would only add to the final quality of the product and would help deliver the software in time.
Myth 2. It is smart to save money on software testing
Fact: If you try to save money now, you will have to shell out much more later. The decision is yours. If you want our suggestion on this, we would recommend, spend now! The cost of software testing is less than the cost of repeated software maintenance. And a tester would add much more value to your software than you can imagine. So, if you don’t wish to compromise on the quality and are still worried about the expenditure, the answer for you is very simple- hire remote software testers in India!
Myth 3. Debugging is the only target of Software Testers
Fact: While it is true that software testing entails looking for bugs, but that does not cover several other things which require testing. Testing also looks out for functionality of the software itself. The success of any software depends on the following:
- User-friendly layout/design
- Close monitoring of the code at each stage
- Identification of any requirement that may get missed otherwise
Hence, testing not only helps in finding defects but also in configuring the software as well. Involving a tester will ensure both high-quality performance and reliability of any software.
Myth 4. Bad coders become testers
Fact: The reality is actually the opposite of this. A software tester has to be a good coder as well. In order to completely understand the software, its requirements and its objectives, a tester will have to have good knowledge of the structure along with the technology. Without the understanding of computer language, the tester will be incompetent to fully test the software. There are times when testers have to write codes to validate the data or create test data. If they are doing data migration testing they might even have to convert the code for a different data base. Moreover, in case of automating testing, they might have to write codes in JAVA or any other coding language. Hence it will be wrong to say that someone who is testing a software must necessarily be a bad developer.
Myth 5. Testing is only about documentation and looking at the final output
Fact: Just as each member of the team has different tasks, every one of them are equally responsible for the documentation of various sections of any particular software. And a significant software testing fact is that testing is not about random clicking of the button to see if the software is working or not. So if you are imagining a tester as someone who is just looking at the final software and using it, you might want to change your opinion. Software testing requires a meticulous strategy which is mostly designed by the project manager or the lead tester. The plan also depends on the business requirement specifications of any project. A testing plan may have the following modules
- Objective of the software
- Status reporting
- Testing the deliverables
- Following the industry standards
- Risks
- Bugs
- Configuration
Depending on the software there may be other elements too. So, what we are trying to say is that testing is no child’s play!
Myth 6. Testing may delay projects
On the contrary, timely testing of the software while it is being developed will save you a lot of time rather than creating delays. So let’s say the said software has many components. Any team will take some amount of time to develop the first version of each section of the software. Now imagine, you find defect with few components right at the time you are supposed to deliver the product. What do you do? So, don’t you think it would be better to engage testers at every level so they approve each component as and when they are written. Remember debugging takes more time than testing. And if you are worried about the cost involved as well you can simply hire remote software testers in India.
Myth 7. Automation can eliminate manual testing requirement
Fact: If you believe that automation can replace human intervention, think again! Automation testing cannot happen at the different stages of software development. In fact, even automation needs testing. The techniques which are automated also need monitoring to eliminate error. Hence, automation testing will have to walk hand in hand with testers.
Myth 8. Once tested, the software is 100% error free
Fact: If you look at your mobile phones, every now and then you receive software updates which try to eliminate any bugs that get identified. That is true for the best of the operating systems available in the market. Attaining perfection is next to impossible. While testers make sure that they eliminate all the defects/bugs, giving out a bug free software is unheard of.
Software development is quite a meticulous process. But testing of a software is equally mind boggling. And it is as important as writing the codes itself. On the one hand testers ensure that that the software is as bug free as possible, on the other hand they also look out for quality to make sure that it is meeting the expectations of the user.
