Overview
The lecture covers the fundamentals of software testing, including definitions, career benefits, necessary skills, documentation, and using tools such as Azure DevOps for creating and managing test cases.
IT & QA Career Overview
- IT careers often offer remote or hybrid opportunities and competitive salaries.
- There are multiple advancement opportunities in QA, from tester to VP roles.
- Benefits of IT include paid vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans.
- Entry into QA does not require a specific certification, but certifications like ISTQB are desirable and can improve job prospects.
Mindset & Preparation for QA
- Achieving success in QA requires consistency, hard work, goal-setting, and time management.
- Sacrificing non-essential activities provides time for study and career change.
- Certifications are helpful but not mandatory for most QA positions.
- Recruiters may use certifications to shortlist candidates, but practical skills are essential.
Testing Fundamentals
- Testing is the process of checking how well a product works by comparing expectations vs. reality.
- In software, testing means verifying that applications meet expected conditions and reporting differences as bugs.
- Key testing concepts: expected results, actual results, and requirement coverage.
Approaching Testing in Practice
- Good testers start by learning the product and asking clarifying questions before designing test cases.
- Testers rely on requirement documentation to understand what needs testing.
- Test case coverage matters more than the number of test cases.
Requirement Documentation & Test Case Creation
- Requirement documents (e.g., functional requirements, user stories) detail application features and functionalities.
- Testers convert requirements into specific, actionable test cases.
- Example: creating a "Login with correct username and password" test case using Azure DevOps.
- Negative testing (e.g., incorrect login scenarios) is also essential for comprehensive test coverage.
Tools & Execution
- Tools like Azure DevOps help manage and execute test cases efficiently.
- Shared steps can be reused across multiple test cases to streamline the process.
- Testers document actions, expected results, and execute tests, marking outcomes as pass or fail.
Qualities of a Good Tester
- Rapid learning abilities to quickly understand new applications and features.
- Continuous improvement of testing skills and staying updated with technology.
- Curiosity to go beyond documentation and uncover hidden defects.
- Strong communication skills for reporting defects and collaborating with team members.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Testing — The process of checking how well a product or application functions.
- Software Testing — Verifying that software applications meet specified requirements and reporting issues as bugs.
- Bug/Defect — A difference between expected and actual application behavior.
- Requirement Coverage — Ensuring all specified requirements are tested.
- Test Case — A documented scenario detailing actions, inputs, and expected results for testing.
- Negative Testing — Testing invalid or unexpected conditions to ensure the application handles them properly.
- Shared Steps — Reusable steps used across multiple test cases in test management tools.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review requirement documentation for applications you are testing.
- Practice creating and executing test cases using a test management tool like Azure DevOps.
- Prepare for tomorrow’s lesson focused on defects and their life cycle.