What is Testing?
Nice try! I'm not going to define all of testing here, when there are many pages of different topics on the Glossary that cover what is Testing, in so much great detail.
If you really must know, and you got this far without knowing, here is a workable definition of Software Testing, from Wikipedia:
If you really must know, and you got this far without knowing, here is a workable definition of Software Testing, from Wikipedia:
Software testing is the act of checking whether software meets its intended objectives and satisfies expectations.
Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_testing
Also, see: https://www.ministryoftesting.com/software-testing-glossary?button=&q%5Btitle_cont%5D=testing
Who are the Testers?
This could be, someone who is an expert in software quality and testing, with many different possible role titles, many of them don't even have the word Tester in the name.
For the most part, the term Tester is usually used for those with dedicated testing and quality roles. However, in many modern software teams, much of the testing is carried out not by dedicated specialists, but Software Development Engineers, Product Managers, Designers and other members of the team alongside their primary roles.
These people who take on Testing in addition to their other roles, are no less Testers, and some of them may also have a lot of experience and expertise in Testing, regardless of their current role title.
For the most part, the term Tester is usually used for those with dedicated testing and quality roles. However, in many modern software teams, much of the testing is carried out not by dedicated specialists, but Software Development Engineers, Product Managers, Designers and other members of the team alongside their primary roles.
These people who take on Testing in addition to their other roles, are no less Testers, and some of them may also have a lot of experience and expertise in Testing, regardless of their current role title.
When is a Tester, not a Tester?
Some time ago, I wrote a blog post about my journey in software testing, feel free to take a look if you're interested:
https://www.dowen.me.uk/posts/when-is-a-tester-not-a-tester/
But, Testers do ALL these other things, don't they?
Yes, many Testers also do many, many things to support their teams and companies, that go way beyond any reasonable definition of Testing. And, many then also go on to carry out other roles in Software Development Teams, including many leadership positions.
Hardware Testing
Yes, Testing and Testers are most definitely not limited to Software! Hardware, and probably other not-software things inbetween, also need testing, by testers.
Testing and Testers also exist in many other industries, beyond Technology, shout out to my Snack Testers out there, further detail on such things are mostly out of scope for Ministry of Testing.
However it's always interesting to see what we can learn from other industries and outside disciplines.
Testing and Testers also exist in many other industries, beyond Technology, shout out to my Snack Testers out there, further detail on such things are mostly out of scope for Ministry of Testing.
However it's always interesting to see what we can learn from other industries and outside disciplines.
