How does a software developer in test typically collaborate with development and QA teams during the software lifecycle?

A Software Developer in Test (SDET) works closely with both development and QA teams throughout the software development lifecycle. They participate in planning and design discussions to understand feature requirements and ensure testability, write and maintain automated test scripts, and review code for quality and test coverage. SDETs often act as a bridge, facilitating communication between developers and testers to identify defects early and improve the efficiency of the testing process. This collaborative approach helps deliver robust and reliable software while fostering a culture of quality across teams.