Why is a Quality Assurance Tester Needed on a Software Development Team?

Software development teams essentially need QA or Quality Assurance Testers to create software products that are bug-free to the possible extent. QA Testers are professionals who undertake the quality assurance process, fragmented into various phases. Their contributions across different phases help in identifying and resolving errors in each product or application, thereby making it highly qualitative. It is to note that the functioning of a tester is vital for additional purposes as well. His/her abilities are useful in detecting the areas in software programs that are capable of improvement. As they improve, the products become more suitable for end users and are prepared for their launch. 

Content Summary 

• Who is a QA Tester?
• Why is a QA Tester Needed on a Software Development Team?
• 4 Essential QA Tester Skills Vital to Software Development

Who is a QA Tester?

A QA tester is a professional who initiates the process of quality assurance. This process comprises several phases, each of which is rendered by the professional. Mainly, they revolve around software development.

• Also, note that a Quality Assurance tester is the one who functions as the end user. 
• Thus, he or she acts as a customer advocate. 
• This is because they are mainly responsible for testing and improving the product prior to making it accessible to customers. 

An Overview of Quality Assurance

In the context of software development, quality assurance is a crucial process through which a product is made bug-free. Attempts are made to make a software program as flawless as possible. To manage this process, professionals like QA testers are vital. Their involvement ensures a major impact while finalizing the program’s launch.

Why is a QA Tester Needed on a Software Development Team?

Though a software development team comprises multiple professionals, a QA Tester is needed as one of the important members. The tester is required for ensuring the best quality levels when creating software programs. However, for reasons beyond as well, the professional’s role gains significance. 

For Contributing to Product Growth and Security

Quality Assurance Testers are needed for various purposes, among which product growth and security are more crucial. Making software programs scalable in the future is among the core concerns of companies. However, it is important to not compromise their security. 

• QA Testers ensure the scalability and safety of software programs.
• They test program features to make certain that their functioning is proper.
• Such professionals go through UX as well to limit any security-related vulnerabilities.

To Detect Issues at an Earlier Stage

A QA Tester is important in software development for the detection of potential issues. He/she is equipped with the abilities and knowledge to identify them in the earlier stages. This makes it possible to resolve the errors long before they surface in the later stages. This results in the formation of a bug-free software program to the greatest extent. 

In Order to Secure Brand Reputation

Software development teams often require Quality Assurance Testers to launch products that add to their reputation. It is vital to realize that bug-ridden or defective software products can affect the image of a company or business. 

• Owing to their skills, QA Testers can anticipate possible issues and areas of improvement in products.
• Thus, brands eventually release flawlessly functioning software programs.
• They tend to be functional, feature-rich, and secure.
• Such programs ensure a positive UX or user experience.
• Consequently, respective brands are able to improve or maintain their reputation.

For Saving Time While Testing Software

With a QA Tester on a software development team or department, it is less time-consuming to test a program. This is due to the professional’s abilities in evaluating core aspects of the product. This evaluation is carried out during the early development phases. 

• Considering how proactive this approach is, the team does not require major debugging of the program. 
• This reduces the overall time needed to create, modify, and launch it.

4 Essential QA Tester Skills Vital to Software Development

For a QA Tester, skills like cross-platform testing are crucial for the purpose of software development. To successfully manage the process, other skills such as agile testing and cross-browser testing are needed as well. Besides these, testers can function effectively with extensive knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle and programming.

Agile Testing Abilities

Professionals like Quality Assurance Testers can effectively contribute to software development with their agile testing skills. This type of testing is inclusive of agile methodologies for the purpose of development. This involves direct correlation with the needs of customers and helps in producing the best quality products.

Knowledge of Programming

A QA Tester needs programming knowledge for software development processes. More than a skill, the conceptual understanding of the larger process is crucial. The more knowledgeable a tester is, the better she/he can test software programs. Besides, this facilitates a better comprehension of bugs or areas of improvement in the programs.

Cross-Platform or Browser Testing Skills

To positively facilitate the process of software development, QA Testers should have cross-platform abilities along with cross-browser testing skills. When engaging in new development practices, it is important to conduct parallel testing across a range of devices. Note that while evaluating these, browser versions can differ. Hence, the ability to manage tests across varied platforms and browsers is only vital.

Knowledge of SDLC

A Quality Assurance Tester should be equipped with the knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle or SDLC. Via an SDLC framework, the professional can plan every testing cycle. Besides, it clarifies all the tasks related to development. Thus, any complexities or obstacles in the program can be assessed. Then, through proper measures, these can be taken care of.

On the Whole,

QA Testers are essential members of software development teams. They make it easier to detect errors in the software, whether currently or the ones that can possibly arise in the future. Depending on the skills they develop, they can significantly improve the quality levels of products as they near their launch.