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Top 5 myths about QA Engineers busted!

Regardless of your industry, myths are something that we all have faced, heard, argued, and sometimes just accepted as truth. When myths surround any career path or important job role, all the misconceptions should go right out of the door. Now, we all have heard about the role and responsibilities of QA Engineers in the IT industry. But people underestimate their role and importance due to the myths surrounding them. Today, we are going to debunk a few most prevalent QA myths to steer away from the clouds of ambiguity around this profile.

Myths about QA

Myth-1: QA Engineers & Testers are the same

If you also think that QA Engineers and Testers have the same work, then I would say that’s a mistake. A tester basically follows a testing procedure by using any product, device, software, etc. Anyone can do testing, i.e., use any product or device. But when it comes to the work of a QA, then they follow a totally different procedure starting from planning the tests to strategizing, and more. 

So, I want you to reconsider your thought as the process of testing or the core work of a tester is merely a part of the entire process of quality assurance that QA engineers follow. In addition to this, a tester is responsible for testing the software product in the development process. Then they detect and report errors or bugs. While a QA follows a streamlined process of multiple phases to ensure the highest quality of the final product. 

Myth-2: QA Engineers are the developer’s enemies

A big no to this myth. QA engineers and developers both work for the same goal to give the best and desired product to the client. So, the final outcome of any product or software development depends on the coordination and efforts of the team to deliver the highest quality. QA engineers and developers hate each other, but in good humor, and is not at all true. 

The work of QA Engineers and developers goes parallelly and in synergy to deliver the best possible output for the client. And if they are enemies then the final product will be a huge disaster rather than a successful product. Thus, developers put their complete effort into developing an envisioned software, and on the other hand, QA Engineers make it bug-free to give the client complete satisfaction. 

Myth-3: The role of QA Engineers comes after product development

Some of you might agree with testing a product or software after complete development so that all the features and functionalities undergo proper testing. But, if you are following agile methodology then you might have had a moment of shock. This is so as it’s totally the opposite in the case of agile. The main reason behind calling this a myth is that it is better to test a software or a product in its development stages itself to avoid complications and over-work at the end of the development process. 

The main motive of testing is to test the code, and if that is not done along with the development, then there is an adverse effect on the QA process as lengthier codes may take more time. When error identification starts at the embryonic level, the task to solve them becomes easy.  

Myth-4: QA Engineers just find bugs and all the bugs

Yes, almost half the population believes in this myth. But, it is not at all true. The responsibilities of a QA Engineer do not only include finding bugs but also include other responsibilities such as planning, strategizing, test plans creation, etc. This misconception has totally ruined the entire way people see QA Engineers and judge their work. Yes, QA Engineers do find bugs, but that’s not their only task, and do not find all the bugs in the software or product as nothing can be completely perfect. 

Apart from the task of finding bugs, QA is responsible for the overall reliability, security, and smooth functioning of the application, software, or products, by creating numerous test cases. So, let’s pop this QA myth bubble that they only find bugs and all the bugs.

Myth-5: Being a QA Engineer is easy, anyone can do it

Oh well, do you also think so? Well, a big bold NO for this one. Being a QA Engineer is not at all a piece of cake, as you have to dive deep into the technicalities, rather than just finding a few usability bugs. Now, you might question cloud testers and user acceptance testers, right? But, their sole task is to use the app/software/ product and share their feedback as end-users. QA Engineer’s work is not just about this and requires technical background knowledge to carry out various QA tasks.

User behavior testing is a part of the QA Engineer’s process and anyone without technical knowledge cannot do it. QA Engineers follow a software testing life cycle (STLC) similar to SDLC. And each phase needs understanding with the help of technical knowledge. So, QA is not a mere shortcut to enter the IT world, but it is meticulous and requires technical knowledge. This field also requires a passion for paying attention to details.

Myth-6: The work of QA Engineer is totally automated

This is not a myth actually, both manual and automated testing exist today. And each of them holds its own special place to deal with different kinds of issues. Yes, automation testing does reduce the time of testing and the efforts required by the QA Engineers. But, it can only be used for regression testing, etc. When it comes to testing the whole product/software, manual testing comes in picture.

The experience of a QA Engineer, tenacity, creativity, risk assessment, understanding the humane feel of the UI/UX, etc cannot be replaced by the automation testing. Thus, manual testing will always remain and automation testing cannot replace it but has its own place. When its comes to the work of QA Engineer, yes, they uses automation testing. But not completely, they use both automated and manual testing to make their testing process robust.

Wrapping up

I sincerely hope that this content piece brings at least a few of the QA myths and rumors to rest. And thus, making a percentage of the difference to provide justice to QA Engineers. So if you are an aspiring QA Engineer, or you are thinking of hiring QA Engineers, then this article might have contributed a teeny bit in dispelling the myths to understand the real place and importance of the QA Engineers. Each and every person in the IT industry has a special place in the software development process. As now you are aware of the myths, spread the word, and make QA Engineers happy.

Marsh Mclennan

My self is Marsh Mclennan, a Technology Consultant, and a passionate Content Writer You will often find my articles, blogs, and knowledge-based content on AI/ML, Data Science, Software, and Mobile Applications.

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