What is Software Testing?
Author: M. Mehdi
Whenever you buy something, then of course people test it, like if it is well-packed and the expiry date, etc. Actually, you are testing the product.
Software testing is not just about finding bugs; it's about delivering quality, ensuring reliability, and building trust in technology
Software testing is simply verifying whether the software meets the user requirements and does not cause frustration for the user.
What is Software Testing?
Software testing is the process of evaluating a software application before its launch to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
Let's understand with the help of an example:
You have used an ATM to withdraw cash, and software is working behind the scenes, enabling you to receive the cash from the machine.
So, before making the machine available to end users, it is thoroughly tested to ensure that they can enter their card, PIN, withdrawal amount, and so on. This is actually called the software testing.
Why Software Testing?
Software testing is very important because the end user must be able to achieve their goal, as the software is designed for them. If the end user cannot complete their tasks while using the software, then the software becomes ineffective.
For example, if a person is trying to create a Gmail account and encounters an error message saying, "Your password is incorrect," they may want to reset it. However, if the "Forgot Password" button does not work, it indicates an error in the software.
This is very bad for Google's reputation and can cause frustration for the end user. That's why software testing was introduced to ensure that the software is thoroughly tested before being released.
What is Meant by Bug?
Are you wondering if a bug is something like a bird? Oh, of course not.
This term is used for an error. It is actually a mistake made by developers while creating the software, which eventually leads to unexpected behavior in the application.
Who is Software Tester?
A software tester can be a person or an automated tool that uses the software and analyzes its behavior and functionality.
A software tester ensures that the software is functioning correctly.
Is Software Testing Challenging?
The answer is yes. You may be surprised that software testing is challenging, even though it does not involve developing software. The reason is that if you are a software tester and you miss an error during testing, approving the software for launch while it still has critical issues can lead to serious problems.
Let's suppose you have tested the amount transfer feature of a bank account, but there was an error that allowed a user to transfer money without checking the available balance. As a result, the user could transfer an amount greater than the available balance.
Similarly, if a user tries to create an account on a mobile application but the "Create" button is not working, and you missed testing that feature, it would also be a critical issue.
Future of Software Testing
As long as software exists in the world, testers will always be needed because every software must be tested. So, the future of software testing is secure.
If you are willing to join the field of software testing, don't worry about the future there is always a strong demand and scope for software testing.
Conclusion
Software testing is similar to how you check everything before using it. For example, you inspect an apple before eating it, just as you do with vegetables.
It is very important to test software because it may contain errors, which can lead to problems. For example, if a banking software has an error that allows a user to transfer more money than their available balance, it could cause serious issues.
This field carries great responsibility because if a tester misses an error and approves the software for the end user, the tester will be held accountable for the mistake.
If you want to become a software tester, you can, as it is a long-lasting field. As long as software exists, testers will be needed. It is a field that is easy to enter but comes with great responsibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Always think like an end user when testing software. Don't just follow test cases, explore the application, try unexpected inputs, and consider real-world scenarios. This approach helps uncover hidden bugs that might be missed in standard testing.