Software development for even the simplest applications such as a word processing program is complex and at any stage, errors can creep in. The worst sort would be those errors in the beginning of development, which are magnified as the software development process goes on. If undetected they can require a full revamping of the software. QA testing for software begins in the earliest stages of software development. A goal is set for the software, quantifiable results are established, and parameters set. At that point, the software quality assurance analyst will establish a set of tests, which can objectively measure if the software is performing as required. If it were a picture viewer then perhaps picture clarity would be measured. If it were, a word processor then resource consumption or saves or errors would be measured. The tests depend on the company's expectation and the job of the quality assurance testing software is to devise and the tests.
Education for the individual pursuing a career in software quality assurance and testing can vary with the company employing them and the established testing procedures and tools required. However, preference for software quality assurance jobs is given to those with a bachelor degree in computer science, programming, IT or other related fields. Included in the requirements though, is that the QA testing for software be done using standard industry QA software tools and the individual must be familiar with these tools. Further more the jobseeker that plans to be a software quality assurance analyst will also need to understand the life cycle of software development and testing procedures in each stage. This individual will be working closely with the software development team early in the development process.
Standard quality assurance testing software is used to measure results and to determine if a particular piece of software is doing what it was designed to do. A knowledge of commonly used software languages is also helpful for those embarking on a software quality assurance and testing career. Understanding how software works helps the tester determine what probably went wrong and even make recommendations for changes if necessary or know if the software is performing as intended.
The education required such as the type of degree varies, but the skills do not. The software quality assurance testing process requires a mind that is logical and scientific and well able to communicate to others in writing as well as verbally. Software testing results, procedures, and suggestions are all documented at every stage in the process. For the documentation of the QA testing procedure to be useful, it must be clear and understandable.
The software quality assurance analyst is a highly skilled professional capable of understanding the complexities of software, understanding what they are intended to do and also able to devise the tests which discover if the software is working as intended or needs revision. Software applications can range from games or computer applications all the way to systems used in medical situations or aircraft control or navigation. These systems must work as they were intended and the quality assurance testing software and the analyst using them ensure they do. Companies are supportive of software quality assurance and testing because in the end it saves on errors and on development costs. This allows them to make more profit, lower the price to the consumer and start on the next software development project. Software quality assurance testing is one of those jobs where both the employer and the employee are happy as it works to both of their benefits. Though companies can and do employ their own QA testing for software teams, an independent source is usually sought for software testing on complex projects as they tend to be more objective.
The software quality assurance analyst is a vital member of the software development team and well compensated for their unique skills. If this sounds like your job then you should begin today. Go to QAQCCrossing.com and sign up for your free trial find that perfect job today.
