Should Software Testers Know How to Code? Here’s What We Think

Last Updated on 2024-10-11

Should software testers be able to code? What should we expect from QA experts? Learn all about their role and responsibilities.

As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the role of software testers is more important than ever. With the software testing market growing at a rapid rate, the demand for software testers has also increased. Companies are now actively hiring software testers to ensure their product quality and keep up with the demands of their market.

In recent years, the standards and expectations for the software tester role have also changed. With the rise of software development trends, companies are looking for testers who can keep up with technological advancement. Some software development projects need software testers who can code or are more knowledgeable about the technology. With that said, is it fair to expect software testers to know how to code?  

Let’s discuss whether businesses should change their requirements for the software tester role. First, let’s define the textbook job description of software testers.

What Do Software Testers Do?

Software testers create and implement mechanisms to inspect software for errors. They’re responsible for documenting and tracking potential software problems as part of their testing. They also evaluate its usability and functionality to discover any problems a user might run into. Once testing is complete, they forward their findings to the software developers and discuss possible solutions to the problems.  

In summary, software testers ensure that the software product is functioning as planned before deploying it to the public. They assure the quality and functionality of products released by the company.

Why Code Knowledge Is Important to Software Testers

Software testers must know the fundamental ideas of coding and programming. They’ll need technical knowledge to navigate the system and point out how it’s supposed to work. Likewise, they need to be as knowledgeable about different testing tools and methods. They must know about computer databases, automation programs, and test management systems.  

While their code knowledge is not expected to be on par with software developers, they should be able to understand certain concepts. Without the ability to code, a software tester’s career may be limited to manual testing and the use of codeless technologies for test automation. Knowledge of programming languages enables testers to take on software developer engineers in test (SDET) or other related test automation development tasks.

Should Companies Require Software Testers to Have Coding Skills?

The short answer is: it depends. A software tester’s job description doesn’t necessarily include knowing how to code. However, if you’re working on a highly technical software product, you’ll need testers who can fully understand its complexity. After all, the technical description sets the standards of the testing process.

Depending on the specific context and requirements of the role, it’s fair for companies to expect software testers to have at least a basic understanding of coding. With the increasing use of automated testing in the development process, coding knowledge significantly enhances a tester’s capabilities. 

However, the extent of coding expertise should align with the project’s requirements. For example, some projects may need software testers with advanced coding skills to create complex test scripts, while others may only need familiarity with scripting languages.

Here are some points to consider in setting the right expectations when it comes to coding skills.

1. Programming Learning Curve

It’s important to know the learning curve of the programming language. Some languages have more complicated syntax and structure that are harder to learn and use. As such, they would significantly take more time and resources to learn. It would not be fair to expect a software tester to pick up a programming language at the same pace as a software developer. However, it is possible to upskill a tester with abundant online learning resources.   

2. Testing Skills

Another thing to consider is setting the balance for coding proficiency with other core testing abilities. Traits like critical thinking, domain knowledge, and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail and accuracy, are essential to testing You can’t compromise the responsibilities of a QA expert in exchange for coding knowledge. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance based on the specific demands of the role and the company’s overall goals.

3. Compensation

Lastly, a software tester with multiple technical skills is an expensive job title. You must consider the budget for a multi-skilled tech expert on the team. Some projects will require a well-rounded set of skills, but keep in mind that those come at a price. So, be mindful of setting a high demand for testers by preparing a fair job offer.  

Conclusion

Companies should be mindful not to set unrealistic expectations or exclude talented testers who excel in other crucial areas but may lack extensive coding skills. While software testers benefit immensely from learning how to code, it shouldn’t be an unreasonable expectation of them.

Coding knowledge significantly enhances a software tester’s skillset and value to a company. Understanding programming languages lets them write automated tests, leading to faster and more efficient testing processes. Automated testing also reduces the manual workload, catches bugs early in development, and ensures better software quality.

However, while coding skills are valuable, they shouldn’t overshadow other essential qualities of a tester, such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. A balance between coding expertise and traditional testing skills is crucial for a well-rounded tester. Ultimately, learning to code significantly broadens a tester’s skill set and makes them an invaluable asset in any software development team.

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