7 Circulating Misconceptions About Software Testing

Like any product, before software companies bring their coded creations to the public, employees must thoroughly test them for efficacy and other metrics. People who work outside of the IT world have several misconceptions about software testing, as the methods differ from other types of product testing. 

Misconception #1: Testing doesn’t require expertise

People without software testing experience should not start testing software without training. Software testers should have experience, which is why so many companies choose to partner with a professional software testing provider like XBOSoft. 

Expert software testers understand specialized processes, and they know how to implement methodologies for testing. For example, an untrained tester may not understand how to use control groups or interpret testing analytics. These gaps in knowledge are where professional support makes all the difference. 

Misconception #2: Software testing slows time-to-market

While testing does take time, it does not slow development. With proper software testing, businesses can speed up time-to-market because product testing enhances the software’s processing capabilities. The time spent on software testing is nothing compared to the time and costs incurred by a recall or patch update after launch. 

Misconception #3: The only testing needed is at the end

Developers should test their software several times while building it. If businesses wait until the end, software testers cannot complete a thorough test. After all the components are in place, it is too late to test everything simultaneously, as testers have to dig through the elements to find flaws. Waiting until the last minute could land your software in a position to be tested by end-users, which is the last thing any developer wants. 

Misconception #4: Software testers only evaluate quality control

Software testing does involve quality control, but it also includes a quality assurance. Developers often design software for customers, and quality control alone does not address the customer’s needs. 

Quality control testing should look for problems in the design and execution. But software testers also look at quality assurance so that customers can trust their software does what the developers promise without being a headache and a half for consumers. 

Misconception #5: Some software does not need testing

Companies should move beyond the idea that only some parts of their software need testing. The newly developed software is rarely perfect, and software testers usually find several flaws within the systems. 

Because software has so many nuts and bolts, companies should use software testers throughout the development stages. When companies put flawed software on the market, it mixes with other faulty software, and the bugs create problems for customers. Your reputation takes a hit, and next time you might lose a sale over it. 

Misconception #6: Software testing is software development

People who test software are not developers. Developers and testers should work together for the best results. These two groups do not perform the same jobs, as one writes the code and the other searches for flaws in the code’s execution. Products are best when developers and testers are allowed to complement each other’s workflows.   

Misconception #7: Testers intentionally break software

Software testers do not go into new software to intentionally break it. Testers go looking for bugs, but they don’t create them. Only the developers can intentionally break software. The testers are there to help software be as bug-free as possible before launch. 

Wrap up

When businesses and stakeholders understand the misconceptions about software testing, they recognize the value of experienced software testers in their companies. Waiting too long to test new software or devaluing software testing can negatively affect the bottom line and the customer experience.