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May 11
0
Manual Testing / QA Engineering / QA Process

Why Cross Browser Testing is Important

Testing across browsers showing different screen sizes
Why Cross Browser Testing is Important

As an everyday user, when you encounter a bug, you don’t usually stop and think, “Maybe this issue is only happening on Chrome version 89 on Windows 10!” And why should you? Most people expect websites and apps to work properly on their system – especially if they’re not using an esoteric old version of Internet Explorer.Testing across browsers showing different screen sizes

If you work in software development, it’s a good idea to remember that to a user encountering it, that “edge case” bug is everything. But how do you make sure you discover these environment-specific bugs?

And even after finding them, how do you prioritize them? After all, your app or website is never going to look completely perfect for 100% of possible device/browser/screen size combinations. As with most things, finding a balance is key.

Read on to find out more about why cross browser testing is important – and how to do it right. Continue reading →

Nov 15
0
QA Engineering / QA Process

What Are Edge Cases in Software Testing?

Software development code with a magnifying glass showing a bug
What Are Edge Cases in Software Testing?

Edge cases are a common topic of discussion in software testing. The definition of “edge case” itself is pretty straightforward. But there are many different types of bugs that can fall under the category.

Edge Case Definition and Meaning

In software testing, edge cases are bugs that are uncommon for users to encounter. Note, though, that this doesn’t always mean that it’s hard to reproduce the bug.

Software development code with a magnifying glass showing a bug

Sometimes the bug may be happening 100% of the time – but only on an iPhone model that makes up a very small share of the customer base. Other times, the bug might be happening across browsers/devices, but only 1% of the time.

An edge case can be a minor issue – for example, an inconsistency in the exact shade of blue used on an iOS app vs. the Android version. But it can also be a bug that’s severe when it does happen – like a crash.

Common Edge Cases

Continue reading →

Oct 20
0
Automated Testing / QA Engineering

SDET vs. QA – What’s the Difference?

SDET standing next to a QA tester using a website
SDET vs. QA – What’s the Difference?

“SDET” is becoming a popular job title in many Software Engineering departments. But it’s not always clear what the difference is between an SDET vs. QA tester. Making matters more confusing, some companies use the title differently than others. Does it just mean a QA engineer or automated tester, or is there more to it? Let’s go over the basics.

SDET standing next to a QA tester using a website

What Does SDET Stand For?

SDET stands for Software Development Engineer in Test. This clarifies the fact that SDETs are involved in testing. But it still doesn’t explain exactly what they do, or how it differs from “regular” QA testers.

Differences Between SDET vs. QA

All SDETs are performing a type of QA, but not all QA testers are SDETs. Confused? You’re not alone. Sometimes it can be easier to consider what SDETs are not. In this case, we’re talking about manual testers. Continue reading →

Aug 18
0
Manual Testing / QA Engineering / QA Process

How to Write Test Cases Without Requirements

How to Write Test Cases Without Requirements
How to Write Test Cases Without Requirements

When you’re testing a new feature on an app or website, it’s considered a best practice to have test cases. Ideally, the tester will be given acceptance criteria for the feature being developed. When QA knows exactly what a feature should or shouldn’t do, writing test cases can be easy enough. (If you’re feeling lost, see our article explaining test cases.) But how do you write test cases without requirements?How to Write Test Cases Without Requirements

After all, in the real world of a fast-paced Agile process, chances are you won’t always have them. It’s pretty common to encounter a Jira ticket with a simple description, and no real list of requirements. Sure, you could ask the person responsible to add them. But it’s not always clear who that should be. (The developer? Project manager? Product manager? Higher up?)

In many scenarios, the task can get passed back and forth so long, it delays the testing process by days – if you even end up getting requirements at all. Continue reading →

Jul 14
0
QA Engineering

How to Start Testing the iOS 14 Beta

Three iPhone devices supported by iOS 14
How to Start Testing the iOS 14 Beta

Although iOS 14 isn’t coming out until September 2020, the iOS 14 beta is officially here! For anyone who works in QA or has an iOS app, it’s a good idea to get a head start on testing. After all, new versions of iOS can introduce bugs into previously working apps.

iOS 14 beta apps on an iPhoneIdeally, Apple will be fixing any problems by the iOS 14 release date. But there’s no guarantee that your app will work perfectly when the time comes. Find out how to download and start testing the iOS 14 beta below.

iOS 14 Beta Release Date

The iOS 14 beta was released to the public on Thursday, July 9th, 2020.

The finished version of iOS 14 is expected to go live around mid-September.

How to Install the iOS 14 Beta

You can download and install the iOS 14 beta by following these steps: Continue reading →

Feb 28
0
QA Engineering

What’s the Deal with QA Certifications?

QA Certification (certificate icon with award)
What’s the Deal with QA Certifications?

There are several major QA certifications online. What are the most popular software testing certifications, how do you achieve them, how much do they cost, and how important is it to get Agile QA certifications?

QA Certification (certificate icon with award)

Types of QA Certifications

The two biggest sources of QA certifications are the ISTQB and the QAI. Each offers multiple types of software testing certifications.

If you’re looking to specialize in a particular type of QA (such as security testing or management), it’s worth getting the certificate specific to that position.

However, any of the more general QA certifications should be suitable for most testers. Further, if you decide to focus on a different area of QA, having a certification that only applies to your old specialty may not be useful. Continue reading →

Nov 20
0
QA Engineering / QA Process

The Role of QA in the Software Development Life Cycle

QA Testing SDLC (webpage/mobile app wireframes with magnifying glass icon)
The Role of QA in the Software Development Life Cycle

The role of QA in the Software Development Life Cycle isn’t always clear. Sure, there’s a QA testing phase. But what about all of the other stages? What role do software testers play in those, if any? First let’s go over what the Software Development Life Cycle is, and then take a look at the roles and responsibilities for QA at each step.

What is the Software Development Life Cycle?

QA and the Agile Software Development Life Cycle (icon shows agile process symbol - arrow wrapped around checkmark)

The Software Development Life Cycle (often abbreviated to “SDLC”) is a framework for, well, developing software. The SDLC methodology is a structured process that splits each aspect of software development into different phases.

In an Agile Software Development Life Cycle, the team can jump back and forth between SDLC phases. (Learn more about the Agile QA Process, which we’ll be focusing on below.) Continue reading →

Sep 28
0
QA Engineering

Resume Advice for QA Testers

Quality Assurance Resume
Resume Advice for QA Testers

So you’re ready to apply for your first QA job. Or maybe you’re already in QA, but looking to start at a new company. Where do you begin? The first step is putting together a stellar resume and LinkedIn profile. And the best part is, you don’t need years of job experience to do so. Read on for our resume advice for QA testers.

Do You Really Need a LinkedIn Profile and a QA Resume?

In a word, yes. There are some careers where a LinkedIn profile might not be necessary. But a LinkedIn profile can provide invaluable job and networking opportunities in the world of tech.

QA Resume (mobile phone displaying LinkedIn on a web browser)

Which Do You Start With?

It only takes five minutes to register on LinkedIn, so it’s an easy first step. And if someone wants to add you, you’ll have a link to give them even before you add profile details. However, when it comes to completion, it’s more important to finish your resume first.

Although it’s beneficial to have one, you can still apply to many jobs without a LinkedIn profile. The same can’t be said of a resume. Continue reading →

Aug 30
0
Automated Testing / Manual Testing / QA Engineering

What Are the Different Types of Software Testing?

API Testing
What Are the Different Types of Software Testing?

QA testing may sound like a catch-all term — and in some ways, it is. “QA” stands for Quality Assurance, and all of the different types of software testing have this goal. But each type of testing achieves it differently. As a result, they’re best used for different purposes. Find out how what the different types of software testing are, and when to use them.

What Are the Different Types of Software Testing?

The main types of software testing are:

  • Manual Testing
  • Automated Testing
  • API Testing
  • Performance/Load Testing

These types of testing can be done on websites, mobile apps, and other software.

Manual Software Testing (hand holding mobile phone)Manual Testing

Manual Testing is done by hand. This doesn’t mean not using technology — far from it. But it does mean manually going through different sections of a mobile app, websites, or other software, looking for any problems. Unlike automated, API, or performance testing, all you need for manual testing is access to the website or app. The other main types of software testing typically involve using other software or tools to test and/or find bugs. Continue reading →

Aug 16
0
QA Engineering

QA Analyst vs. QA Engineer

QA Analyst vs. QA Engineer (software testers using websites and mobile apps)
QA Analyst vs. QA Engineer

You may notice that most software testing job postings are for QA Analyst or QA Engineer. There are other software testing job titles out there, but these two are the most common. So what’s the difference between a software QA Analyst vs. QA Engineer?

The truth is that there’s no evergreen definition of the differences between a QA Analyst and a QA Engineer. Sure, you might find articles with well-thought out details for each position. However, in real workplaces, the reality can be quite different. Read on for the standard definitions for each. In addition, you’ll find out what you can expect (or not expect) on a more practical level.

QA Analyst vs. QA Engineer (software testers using websites and mobile apps)

QA Analyst Job Description

The “QA Analyst” job title usually refers to a manual QA position testing software like websites or mobile apps. As a result, these are some of the tasks you can expect from a QA Analyst role:

Continue reading →