If you were to poll a group of software developers about their thoughts on software testing, you would likely get a range of responses spanning from mild exasperation to tales of testing gone horribly wrong.
Although many developers understand the value of software testing in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), their thoughts about actually performing quality assurance (QA) trend toward the negative.
At TestMonitor, we believe it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, we think the opposite: we believe that software testing—and the professionals that perform it—make the software world go round.
So how can you—a software developer, QA professional, or technology leader in your organization—switch your mindset about software testing and help others to do the same?
Let’s dive in and find out.
The Common Misconceptions That Give Software Testing a Bad Rap
If you’ve spent time around software developers, you’ve probably heard some of the common misconceptions about software testing.
Many of these misconceptions are due to the unpredictability of software testing or even unfamiliarity with the testing process. However, some other concerns also arise:
- Software testing takes too long, and the teams’ effort would be better spent adding additional features.
- Software testing is about picking apart a design and finding what is wrong with it.
- Testing can seemingly go on without end. How can testers know how much software testing is “enough”?
The (Happy) Truth About Software Testing
Although not every organization approaches software testing with this negative mindset, the TestMonitor team is here to set the record straight for those that struggle to find the benefits of quality assurance.
Let’s start with a few of the happy truths about software testing:
Finding bugs is a good thing.
It can be frustrating to find a bug. But in the long run, it is better to resolve issues before a customer interacts with a design and the bug damages your team’s reputation.
Software testing confirms what is going well.
Although it is easy to focus on that list of defects, take a moment to look at all the test scripts that resulted in successes and confirmed the design was on track. This results in a more complete picture of the quality of your design approach and product.
Testers can help your business save money.
Software testing can save money by keeping your organization from having to perform costly redesigns or reworks later in the design process, especially if there is a security or functionality issue. For follow-up releases, testers can confirm that changes can be implemented without negatively affecting other aspects of the software.
Software testing practices and tools have come a long way.
Today’s software testers have access to new tools and best practices that allow them to streamline their testing processes and maximize the time and effort spent on testing. From improving test case design to coordinating tester activities, modern test management tools can make testing smooth and efficient.
Software testing keeps the customer top of mind.
Software testing can help remind a team to view their design from the perspective of the customer. When developers are brought out of the design and can evaluate from the customer’s perspective, they can better confirm the product is fit for purpose.
Change Your Software Testing Outlook, Improve Your Products
Software testing may not be able to completely shake its bad reputation. However, organizations that maximize the impact of their testing efforts—and minimize the traditional administrative burden that comes with it—can realize numerous operational and quality benefits.
Chief among them is the ability to deliver software that is both visually and functionally better.
This new level of software testing efficiency can be more easily reached when teams employ the industry’s latest best practices and test management platforms to streamline coordination, communication, and test deployment.
In fact, TestMonitor is designed to improve each of these functions—and more—to elevate how your brand approaches software testing.
Ready to see for yourself just how special TestMonitor is? Then click here to get started with your free trial of TestMonitor.
