Software testing skills and career advice
When it comes to QA testing skills, soft skills can be as important as mastery of a particular technology. As testing spreads throughout the SDLC, testers must be effective in their work and as stewards of quality. In this section, pick up on software testing skills and career advice for QA professionals, such as qualifications and certifications.
Top Stories
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Feature
01 Dec 2021
Skills and responsibilities in a QA engineer role
According to Emily Thomas, a QA engineer at VoIP provider Vonage, effective quality assurance involves far more than just skillful testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2021
New Scrum Master guide covers both theory and practice
In his new book, a senior software engineer shares his in-depth hands-on knowledge to both prep readers for cert exams and guide them on the job. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2021
Low-code app platforms prove essential in times of crisis
During the pandemic response, leading low-code platforms have been pressed into service to quickly deliver apps for testing, scheduling and prioritizing high-risk groups. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2021
Demand proliferates for low-code app development platforms
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the explosive demand for business apps, the pressures on enterprises to keep pace and the benefits low-code application platforms provide. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Advantages of low-code platforms: Speed, agility, collaboration
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the role of low-code platforms in speeding application development, easing the app developer shortage and creating hybrid development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2021
What are an SDET's roles and responsibilities?
A QA professional remains essential to the creation of quality software, while a software development engineer in test adds a different layer to the process. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jun 2021
Sole Black VMware principal engineer aims to diversify tech
VMware's only Black principal engineer talks about his rise in the cloud-native world, how to bring in a new generation of minorities and the future of technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2021
How software testing certifications can boost your career
How can software testing certifications give QA professionals a leg up in their careers? Learn how in this overview, as well as what certification types testers should consider. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
How to learn networking fundamentals, from a software pro
Networking basics include protocols, network layers and processes that must happen for computers to communicate across a network. Here's how to start learning these basics. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Nov 2020
Network engineer vs. software engineer: What’s the difference?
Network and software engineering are two different fields, and the roles of network engineers vs. software engineers vary, despite potential overlaps in software skills. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2020
Virtual software development and testing conferences to attend
Yes, you're stuck at home, but developers and testers can actually learn more for less money than in the past. Connect with dev and test experts at these virtual conferences. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Apr 2020
Agile characteristics for internal software development teams
Not all developers create software for external users. So, what lessons can internal dev teams learn from Agile? Start with one problem at a time and iterate from there. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2020
How to get started with automation test scripts
What makes a good test script? And how do you evaluate appropriate tools and languages? Here's what software developers and testers need to know to make test automation part of their process. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
Deal with remote software testing challenges
Is your software QA team new to remote work? Learn what technical, process and culture challenges you will encounter, and how to surpass them to ensure quality. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2020
Security testing web applications and systems in the modern enterprise
Security testing web apps with little budget and poor documentation is difficult. Ric Messier discusses building a security testing lab in the DevSecOps, cloud and automation age. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2020
Software security testing and software stress testing basics
In this excerpt from Ric Messier's book, learn why software security testing and stress testing are critical components of an enterprise infosec program. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
3 reasons testers need a QA manager in Agile
Agile teams without a QA manager prioritize developers' perspectives -- even to the software's detriment. Here are three ways in which a QA manager offers value to Agile teams, and how they support testers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jan 2020
5 software testing books QA professionals should dig into
There's no cookie-cutter crash course on software testing. However, these five books can get beginners on the right path to better quality software. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
5 vital QA skills for software testers
As testing extends throughout the SDLC, QA engineers do much more than execute a quick functionality check. Pick up these skills to ensure an effective, team-wide approach to quality. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2019
10 skills of highly effective software testers
QA professionals with hands-on experience and a mix of technical and soft skills offer great value for software engineering teams. Testers with these 10 skills can boost their careers. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2019
How to meet QA responsibilities during a software tester shortage
An organization facing a dire shortage of QA engineers can't just dump these tasks on developers. Here's how to keep up software quality with limited QA resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2019
Software tester roles must embrace code focus
IT gives testers license to voice contrarian opinions about software. But, as pressure to deploy intensifies, they might not be able to ignore code responsibilities anymore. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2019
Hire testers with a mix of technical skills and hutzpah
There's a lot at stake when you hire a software tester -- and a lot to consider about the applicants. Matt Heusser shares how to evaluate capabilities and personalities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jan 2019
Why I moved from programming to a software testing role
Testers rejoice when they find flaws, even as project managers gnash their teeth. Matt Heusser explains how, in QA, he learned to stop worrying about deadlines and love the delay. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2018
How can I course-correct my testing career path?
Don't get stuck in QA monotony. Show your technical knowhow and expand your horizons to boost your career -- even if it means throwing out the map. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jul 2018
How do I find my career path in software testing?
I've been a tester for many years and want to progress professionally. Yet, I'm struggling to find chances for advancement and a career path in software testing. Any pointers? Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2018
How can learning scripting languages help junior testers?
As a junior tester, I think learning scripting languages could make me more valuable to my team and enhance my career. But how do I pick the scripting language to learn? Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2018
How can I attend software testing conferences?
You want to attend a software testing conference, but your employer said it's too expensive. Here are some ways to improve your chances to attend. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2018
Testers face pressure to improve software technical skills
If you want to stand out from the testing crowd, spend some time acquiring technical skills. Expert Matthew Heusser offers an on-point tester training curriculum. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jan 2018
What skills do Agile testers need?
The Agile team collaborates closely and makes a lot of changes. What does the ideal Agile tester possess in technical and people skills? Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Oct 2017
What are the pros and cons of contract QA jobs?
Contract QA jobs can pay more than staff positions, but only if you're a good negotiator. Expert Amy Reichert helps explain the differences between staff QA and contractors. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2017
Five reasons your software testing career is harder than necessary
No job is perfect, but software testers do have a few things to complain about. Expert Amy Reichert shares the five things that make her want to polish her résumé. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2016
What modern test manager responsibilities entail
What does a test manager do? That's not the easiest question to answer, as responsibilities vary. Expert Matt Heusser explains the crux of the role and provides some tips as well. Continue Reading