What Is a Manual Tester and How to Become One
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What Is a Manual Tester?
A manual tester is a member of a software development team responsible for taking and testing a program or app through a wide range of scenarios. In this role, you take the place of an end user and use applications as intended, documenting any bugs or glitches. Testing is not done randomly; you follow a rigid software testing flowchart and end up checking every aspect of the program in a way automated software is unable to replicate. Manual testers must document everything meticulously.
How Can I Become a Manual Tester?
To become a manual software tester, you should consider getting an industry-recognized certification, particularly as many employers require it. The two most popular certifications are the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and the Rapid Software Testing (RST) certifications. Once you have obtained one or both of these, you should continue to educate yourself about the latest procedures and changing industry standards.
What Is the Difference Between Manual and Automated Testing?
Manual testing requires a human touch and eye. It allows greater customization of the testing algorithm and experience so you can tailor your approach to each piece of software. If you have bulk programs to test, manual testing takes longer because humans do not work as fast as computers. Automated testing requires knowledge of source coding languages, whereas manual testing operates at a more user-friendly level and has a specific goal for each piece of software.
What Skills Are Expected in a Good Manual Tester?
A good manual tester must be inquisitive and open-minded, anticipating potential problems with source code and reporting it to the team lead. You must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to convey complex ideas simply. In the case of software development, your responsibilities require you to be specific when reporting errors; knowledge of programming languages like C++, Python, Perl, and Ruby can help in this regard. Accessing the source code of software, even if it is not in the normal scope of testing, can highlight errors you otherwise would have missed.
