Software testing is an indispensable part of the software development process. Most of us have interacted with a software product at some point, and while the process of testing may seem confusing or misunderstood, we can all agree that a functional, bug-free product is essential.
Prior experiences with software testing can heavily influence how you view the industry. Poor-quality testing can lead to misunderstandings, while expert testers can sometimes create unrealistic expectations about the trials and errors involved in software testing.
In light of this, we’ve decided to address some of the most common myths about software testing. We even asked our QA team to share their insights on myths they’ve encountered throughout their careers in testing.
Myth #1: Manual testing is dead
The use of software testing tools to automate test execution is indeed highly beneficial, especially when it comes to time efficiency and cost savings. However, this doesn’t mean automation is a magic bullet that can replace manual testing entirely.
Automation cannot cover every feature. Manual testing is still necessary because it catches issues that may have been overlooked by automated tests. Our testers agree: “Manual testing will always be needed because automation is just one part of the software testing lifecycle.”
Myth #2 - In the future, automation will replace manual testing
One of the most common misconceptions in the world of software testing is that automation tools will eventually replace manual testing altogether. As we saw in the previous myth, automated testing alone isn’t enough to fully complete the software testing cycle, and it may never be able to completely replace manual testing.
Manual testers bring a personalized approach to solving problems, delving deeper into the product’s vulnerabilities. While automation can handle repetitive tasks efficiently, manual testing ensures that testers are focusing on the features that directly impact user experience. As our team points out, “Automation may solve some problems, but a manual tester can empathize with the user’s needs and identify critical issues.”
Myth #3 - Test scripts can run for all versions of builds
This myth is partially true. A test script is essentially a “sequence of instructions for executing a test,” but it’s not always one-size-fits-all. Test scripts can undergo updates and modifications as the software’s build changes. These changes are necessary to check the product’s functionality, interactions with third-party tools, or fixes to previously discovered bugs. However, as one of our testers highlights, “With carefully designed parameters and environments in your test scripting, you can ensure your tests will run across different versions of builds.”
Myth #4 - Only test after the product is complete
Testing after the product is fully developed may seem convenient, but it’s not enough to just wait for the final product before performing tests. Relying solely on final tests will often miss critical bugs. Software testing should be a continuous process throughout the entire development cycle. Issues can crop up at any stage of development.
Our testers stress that “software testing starts early in the requirements and design phases.” Testing during the production phase helps catch issues with each change, ensuring that the final product delivered to users is functional and high-quality.
Myth #5 - A tester’s only job is to find bugs
At first glance, you might assume that testers are only tasked with finding bugs, but that’s just a small part of the software testing process. In addition to bug-finding, QA testers play an important role in verifying that the software meets specified requirements, identifying areas for improvement, and providing valuable feedback to the development team.
At BetterQA, we emphasize that “A tester’s role goes beyond just finding bugs; it’s about improving the product’s overall quality.”
Other myths that have ‘bugged’ our software testers:
There are many myths surrounding software testing. Our QA team has encountered a few more that we thought were worth mentioning:
Software testers aren’t really necessary.
Testing takes too much time to be worthwhile.
Live bugs are always the tester’s fault.
The only way to grow from being a tester is to become a developer.
Not meeting a deadline is the fault of the testing team.
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