Image Source (nebraskaglobal.com)
Dos and Don’ts are two essential corollaries of software testing process and a tester has to respect both. While the former sets the tone for progress, the latter ensures the software testing process remain streamline, steadfast, and does not encounter any bottleneck that may impact the overall result. While dos vary depending on process and space adopted by a team, don’ts are common to everyone irrespective of verticals, testing domain, and expertise.

Based on the industry experience, we suggest the following top 10 things the test teams must not do.

1.    Blocking the Process of Development (Don’t)

Innovation in thoughts and deed is key to progress in the testing process. Often application testing throws up many surprises that testers unable to handle. New features of latest products may require new testing methods, superior technology, and out-of-box thinking. If any feature of an application stands on the way and creating nuisances, the tester must not think it as a bug. Rather, he defines new ways to test it and develop ample ground for ensuring its compatibility. New features are always considered great market assets.

2.    Abandon Shared Creativity (Don’t)

If a tester lacks adequate expertise in validating a new feature, he should not backtrack and brand it a nuance. He must consult with fellow testers, seniors, and team members to bring in shared creativity and innovate a testing mechanism for every new feature non-amenable for the old method. Such practices empower developers to introduce new features, codes, and modules that give an application more potency, unqualified functionality, and end users admiration, three important elements of market advantage.

3.    Give Up (Don’t)

Tedious process and demanding tasks often force software testers to give up in the face of consistent negative result. We call it test environment breakdown. However, it is real test of character and skills of a test engineer and he must not give up. Try all alternatives available. Ask a programmer to analyze and understand or use developer’s machine to have rerun of the test suit. Intra-team discussions on trouble shooting are another option.

4.    Put the Onus on the Developer (Don’t)

The success of an application is equally shared by a developer and tester. Hiding behind the testing cubicle or blaming the developer for bugs is not expected from a professional test team. Test manager must proactively communicate and collaborate with development team to sort out the bugs and create more powerful applications. Putting the onus on the developer is considered unprofessional and irresponsible.

5.    Doing the Quality Check (Don’t)

The test team is responsible for software testing and not for giving the final signal. Once the testing is over, the application must undergo thorough quality check by outsiders. This should include independent testing and end-user examination prior to final delivery. Taking upon the quality check by the test team itself may impact the process subjectively. An independent QA assures more credibility and two stage test process.

6.    Poor Management Reports (Don’t)

Test management is an integral part of the software testing process. Testers must lead from the front as the headlights of the project. Remember headlights must be clear, powerful, and have good focus. They must document everything from planning and test case execution to final results, the process adopted, and the bugs mitigated. The reports must be comprehensive, easily understandable, and serve as guidance for future projects. No unnecessary details or unprofessional technical language should dominate the reports.

7.    Placating of Clients (No)

Remember the client has a deadline and his business depends on your success. A tester must be clear in his dealings and spell out his work hours in clear terms. Promising to deliver on Sunday and unable to do so can be unprofessional. Better tell your client when you can exactly finish with quality and deliver your best results. Never resort to placating clients and balancing time lags with excuses.

8.    Have Undefined Time Schedule (Don’t)

Testing process requires integrity, continuity, and timely approach. You cannot just work in a nine-to-five schedule as leave the job half done at the end of the day. A tester is required to take a defined task in its entirely and finish. Software testing is an art and you cannot run it parallel to just office hours. You must give adequate time and professionally carry on the process.

9.    Think You Have Mastered Everything (Don’t)

A software test demands custom test suits development, tailor-made approach, and right knowledge of end-user perspective. Testers must not think that they have all skills, knowledge, and techniques for any type of task. The technology is evolving fast and with it the ever dynamic market demand. They must be open for leaning, training, and knowledge acquisition.

10.  Remain Your Cocoon (Don’t)

You must not confine yourself to your test process. Plan you work and share it with colleagues. Learn from each other and build an edifice of testing process that supports new methods, innovation, and best practices. Think well before act and your actions must be rational and beneficial in every aspect. You thoughts shared can be a good for the entire team and organization contributing to professional advancement and endowing clients with creative applications.