Staying Ahead in Software Testing: 8 Key Skills Every QA Engineer Should Master in 2024
I recently attended a software testing conference where I met a group of enthusiastic newcomers to the field. They told me they are eager to learn new, relevant skills but are uncertain about where to begin. This encounter reminded me of how overwhelming it can be to determine which skills matter in the job market and which ones will provide the most benefit. With new tools, technologies, and methodologies emerging constantly, knowing what to focus on can be challenging.
To address this, I’ve compiled a list of 8 essential skills that every software tester or QA engineer should have in 2024 in my opinion. This list isn’t just for beginners; it’s also valuable for experienced testers and managers looking to broaden their knowledge and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your existing skills, these key areas will help you thrive in the dynamic landscape of software testing.
Mastering Automation in Testing
While “manual” testing remains crucial, the value of automation in testing has significantly increased in recent years. Many companies now recognize the benefits of automated checks and tests, making it essential to explore test automation. Even though I don’t think you need to be an expert in this field — I’m not an expert myself — it’s still crucial to understand how automation in testing works and how it can be used in software development.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, having a general understanding of how code is written and works is important. Although not every tester needs to be a coding expert, the more you understand the software you’re testing, the easier it will be to identify and eliminate bugs.
I strongly recommend starting your test automation journey by learning the basics of coding. You can find more detailed guidance in my YouTube video below.
I see that the industry is rapidly moving towards automating as much as possible. Even if you’re not entirely convinced (and I agree that “manual” testing should be considered before automating everything), it’s important to be prepared for the growing demand for automation and programming skills in 2024.
Exploring AI and Machine Learning
AI is everywhere these days, with new tools and breakthroughs emerging almost daily. It’s the buzzword of our time, and while it’s good to maintain a healthy skepticism, the rise of AI is undeniable. Many companies are incorporating these new technologies into their software, which means testers need to understand these implementations and where potential bugs might hide.
As I mentioned earlier regarding programming skills, every QA engineer should also have a foundational understanding of machine learning and data science methodologies. These approaches are already integral to modern software development and will only become more prevalent in 2024. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and concepts in this field is crucial.
Soon, many companies will be using these technologies, necessitating thorough testing and improvement. Consequently, the role of the software tester in this area will become increasingly important, as I’ve discussed in a previous blog post.
So, be prepared and learn about new AI tools and machine learning approaches to effectively tackle the upcoming testing demands.
Excelling in API Testing
API (Application Programming Interface) testing is becoming increasingly essential in modern software development, yet many testers hesitate to learn it in depth. Understanding APIs and how to test them is crucial for every software tester.
Start by using a tool like Postman to send and receive requests from various websites. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can move on to automating these processes. As more useful software tools are developed, the demand for API integration in programs grows. For example, many software tools already use OpenAI’s API, so you can enhance your skills by learning about Large Language Models (LLMs).
By enhancing your knowledge in API testing, you’ll be better prepared to meet the demands of today’s QA engineer role.
Enhancing Exploratory Testing Skills
Exploratory testing, though a well-known term in the industry, remains incredibly important. It is one of the core skills every tester should have. This approach involves testing a system to discover as much as possible about its behavior, focusing on what the program does rather than strictly what it should do.
Many QA engineers overlook exploratory testing in their day-to-day work, believing it’s only necessary to check if everything is implemented correctly. However, by taking a detour and exploring the software’s limits, you can uncover numerous bugs and raise critical questions.
Exploratory testing is always done manually, and this hands-on approach will never lose its relevance in software testing. The human experience of interacting with a program is essential for ensuring high-quality software. Therefore, every tester should understand the concepts of exploratory testing and experiment with various tactics and strategies to enhance their testing skills.
Developing Essential Soft Skills
In previous blogs, I’ve emphasized the importance of communication for software testers. This role involves identifying flaws in others’ work, making it crucial to communicate effectively and constructively. Many QA engineers focus solely on the technical aspects of the job, underestimating the significance of human interactions. From my experience, you’ll spend more time discussing bugs than finding them.
This hasn’t changed in 2024 and won’t change in the future. The importance of strong social and communication skills cannot be overstated. Investing time in developing these skills is essential for any successful software tester.
Focusing on User-Centric Testing and Accessibility
In 2024, software is becoming increasingly personalized and inclusive. Many companies now recognize the importance of including people from different age groups and those with disabilities in their user base. With a growing focus on user experience, software testers must know how to effectively test and address these needs.
The significance of accessibility is also rising, driven by increasing regulations, particularly in the European market. Ensuring your software is accessible to all users is not just a regulatory requirement but also a crucial aspect of creating a positive user experience. For more insights on this topic, you can read one of my previous blogs.
In my opinion, every QA engineer should understand the importance of user-centric testing and the various approaches needed to address the diverse needs of different users. As software becomes an essential part of everyone’s daily life, it must be optimized to work in different environments and cater to various users. This includes making sure it is accessible and user-friendly for all demographics.
Integrating DevOps Practices
The importance of DevOps continues to grow in 2024. A proficient QA engineer should not only know how to write and maintain effective automated tests but also understand Continuous Deployment/Continuous Integration (CD/CI) pipelines and how to set up various environments.
DevOps is crucial for testers because it has become an integral part of software development over the past few years, and its significance will only increase. Understanding DevOps practices enables testers to work more efficiently and ensure smoother, more reliable software releases.
Strengthening Security Testing Skills
Cybersecurity and security testing are becoming increasingly important in 2024. As new technologies emerge rapidly, the potential for security vulnerabilities also grows. Therefore, identifying and testing for these security gaps is becoming more critical.
As a tester, focusing on security testing is essential and should not be overlooked. Learn about the latest security testing techniques, understand common vulnerabilities, and stay updated on best practices to ensure the software you test is secure. This knowledge will be invaluable in protecting users and maintaining the integrity of the software.
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