A QA engineer checks the operability of different software. Based on this check, a report describing all detected errors is drawn up. This report is passed to the developers, who further correct all the detected bugs.
This specialist should know the product being tested well, as well as understand the stage of development of the system or program. This will allow you to pay attention to the necessary details.
Main Responsibilities
The work of this specialist begins even when forming the general concept of software.
He or she is responsible for the formation and maintenance of technical documents so that the digital product fully meets the requirements of international and domestic standards created for the sphere of IT technologies. Even without seeing the product, the engineer can evaluate its functionality as well as the quality of the prepared documentation. For this purpose, they additionally study sketches with prototypes.
If errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies concerning quality standards are detected, an expert opinion is formed and the program is sent for revision to the developers. Sometimes a QA engineer makes necessary corrections in codes or algorithms themself. Competent specialists allow firms to save a lot of money on fixing programs that are already sold on the market.
QA engineers can be manual testing professionals or automation testing engineers. In the former case, they do not write code and do not study logic, mechanics, or algorithms. They only test functionality, for which they enter codes on the keyboard and with the mouse. Automation engineers are real programmers who are proficient in different programming languages, so they find errors or inaccuracies in the code.
What Qualities and Knowledge Are Needed
The following skills are required for QA engineer jobs:
- Knowledge of several programming languages, as this allows you to assess the quality of the commands and the entire program, with Python, Java, and JavaScript being preferred;
- Knowledge of SQL, as this skill gives the ability to use databases, as well as to organize search queries correctly;
- The ability to use test theory and test design, which ensures that technical and creative tasks are systematized;
- Knowledge of Scrum and Kanban development methods, which are based on operational correction of program functionality taking into account different factors, for example, feedback from customers, production specifics, or usability in process automation;
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of personnel management, as it allows for organizing effective team activities, as well as necessary for intergroup interaction and delegation of tasks;
- Knowledge of technical peculiarities of PCs and different operating systems;
- Skill in working with back-tracking;
- Ability to work with frameworks, which are represented by ready-made models and templates for software.
Usually, QA engineers speak positively about their line of work. They are happy to test programs and services, and also get a good income for their work. However, sometimes they can complain about the monotony and routine of their work, as well as the deterioration of their health due to a sedentary lifestyle.
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