The tech world is always evolving, and one of the most exciting fields within this industry is automation software testing. Automation testing allows software test automation engineers to reduce time and cost when developing products by testing code quickly and efficiently.
If you?re looking to break into this field, you?ll need to have a well-rounded understanding of software engineering principles, automation tools, test automation strategy, coding languages, and quality assurance processes.
In this blog, we shall cover the fundamentals of software testing in test automation fashion, along with seeking to understand the steps necessary to initiate a successful automation testing career as an automation software tester.
What is Automation Software Testing?
Test Automation is a process of using specific tools and techniques to test an application for functionality, performance, and accuracy. Automation testing uses automated processes to run test cases on the code, allowing developers to quickly identify potential issues with the application. This process is essentially carried out with the help of Automation Testing Tools.
Test Automation Scripts are written by a software tester in order to simulate user interactions and validate various features of the application.
This type of testing helps improve the quality of the product or service by detecting bugs early in the development cycle, before they become more serious issues. Automation tester also create data-driven tests that can be used over multiple releases.
Want to know more about the field of Automation Testing? check out our blog on “What is Automation Testing?“
What are the Benefits of Test Automation over Manual Testing?
1. Automation testing is faster than Manual Testing and can greatly reduce the amount of time needed to test software applications with the help of test automation tool.
2. Test automation tools allow for more comprehensive tests that would be impossible or extremely difficult to perform manually.
3. Automated tests are repeatable and consistent, ensuring each release has the same level of quality assurance applied as previous versions.
4. Tests can be easily automated with automated test scripts, once they have been written, and do not need human intervention again for executing test cases repeatedly.
5. Test Automation makes it possible to test multiple system configurations quickly and thoroughly since it enables the running of a single script across various platforms or operating systems.
6. Since automation scripts require less effort than manual testing, developers can focus more of their time on improving the application.
7. Automation allows for tests to be executed in parallel, reducing the amount of time needed to test an entire system.
8. Automated testing makes it possible to create a library of reusable test components that can be used across different projects and environments. This helps ensure consistency and reliability across each project?s tests.
The debate between Manual Testing and Automated Testing is a never ending one. If you wish to read more on this topic, do check out our blog on “Manual vs. Automation Testing“
What is a Software Automation Testing Career and What does it Entail?
A software automation testing career requires a person who has technical knowledge in automation testing tools, coding languages, programming language, debugging, scripting, and various types of software development processes such as Agile, Waterfall or Scrum.
To thrive in this role you must have a strong understanding of the automation testing process, and be able to develop automated test scripts that are easy to maintain and reuse. Your technical skills should include the ability to identify areas in which automation strategies can or cannot provide significant value within the testing field.
The job responsibilities vary with each company, but they generally involve writing automated tests, executing tests across multiple environments, debugging issues found during testing, and performing maintenance on the automated test scripts.
Additionally you will need to work closely with developers, QA teams and other stakeholders in order to ensure that all features of the application are functioning correctly before being released into production.
What Automation Testing Skills are needed to build a Testing Career as a Test Automation Engineer?
1. Strong knowledge of test automation tools, such as Selenium and Appium
2. Proficiency in coding languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python or C++
3. Ability to read and understand requirements documents, debug scripts and identify areas for improvement
4. Working experience with Agile software development methodologies
5. Experience writing automated test scripts utilizing various test automation framework
6. Knowledge of the software development process from design to release
7. Analytical skills to assess application architecture and system components
8. Understanding of different testing techniques including smoke tests, functional tests and regression tests
9. Ability to work collaboratively with developers and other stakeholders to ensure quality assurance
10. Attention to detail when troubleshooting and debugging automated scripts
11. Adaptability to work with different technical environments and configurations.
12. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
The ability to succeed as a software test automation engineer requires more than just having the right technical expertise; it also involves having a strong understanding of the development process, being able to communicate your ideas clearly, and possessing excellent problem solving capabilities.
How to get Started in a Software Automation Testing Career?
1. Start by gaining an understanding of different automation testing tools and platforms, such as Selenium, Appium and Cucumber.
2. Learn coding languages used to write automation scripts, such as Java, JavaScript, Python or C++.
3. Read up on software development methodologies like Agile and Waterfall so you can understand how a project progresses from design to launch.
4. Join online communities to network with other automation testing professionals and discuss best practices.
5. Take courses related to automation testing topics or pursue certifications in the field if desired.
6. Look for job openings that match your skillset and apply for them with an impressive resume and cover letter highlighting your experience in the field of testing.
7. Once you?ve landed a job, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest testing trends and technologies so you can be an effective automation tester.
8. Develop your debugging and problem solving skills so that you can quickly identify any issues in the application and resolve them efficiently.
9. Participate in online forums or attend conferences related to software automation testing, as this will help expand your knowledge base and further your career.
10. Always strive to deliver high quality work by following industry standards and best practices when developing automated test scripts.
As you embark on your journey to become a successful software test automation engineer, remember that hard work, dedication and having the right skills and knowledge will help get you there.
What are the Job Prospects for within the test automation field?
Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs): Analyzing requirements, design test plans and execute tests based on customer needs to ensure a high-quality product. Proficient in writing as well as executing test codes.
If you wish to know more about the position of an SDET, do check out our blog on “SDET Meaning: The Future of Software Testing” (/blog/sdet-meaning-the-future-of-software-testing )
Test Automation Architect: Designing and developing test automation frameworks, integrating automated testing into the development process and leading on complex projects.
Automation Test Engineer/Developer: Developing scripts and programs to automate different aspects of software testing.
Test Automation Manager: Overseeing the implementation of automated tests, managing teams of automation engineers, setting deadlines and budgets for projects, etc.
Test Automation Analyst: Analyzing applications and identifying areas that can be automated and how best to do it.
Quality Assurance Specialist: Ensuring quality standards are met in the software development process by performing manual testing or automated tests as needed.
Striving to develop as a QA Tester? Read our blog on “How to become a QA Tester?: Let us Find Out” (/blog/how-to-become-a-qa-tester)
DevOps Engineer: Automating the software delivery process, monitoring application performance and optimizing processes for maximum efficiency.
Data Scientist: Analyzing data gathered through automated tests to improve quality assurance processes and software performance metrics.
Automation Test Lead: Setting up test automation processes, coordinating with software developers and overseeing the team of automation engineers.
How much can you expect to Earn in a career in Automation Software Testing?
The amount of money that one can expect to earn in a career as an automation tester, greatly depends on the individual’s experience and skillset. Generally speaking, someone who is highly skilled and experienced may be able to earn anywhere from $80k to over $110k per year depending on their location.
The salary range also increases with seniority, as those with more years of experience will often find themselves earning significantly higher salaries than entry level or mid-level testers.
Additionally, many companies offer bonuses or other compensation packages which can further increase one?s annual earnings. Individuals who are particularly successful as test automation professionals may even have an opportunity for promotion within the company which could result in a significant pay raise.
The Benefits of having a Software Automation Testing Career
1. Opportunity to work with the latest technologies and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
2. Ability to improve software quality, resulting in better user experience for customers.
3. Enhance your problem solving skills and increase productivity.
4. Expand your knowledge base by learning new frameworks, languages, and tools.
5. Flexible working hours as many companies offer remote automation testing positions or allow testers to work from home/anywhere they like.
6. High demand of skilled test automation engineers often leads to a wide range of job opportunities across different industries & platforms
7. Handsome salaries along with other incentives
The above mentioned points clearly depict the highly rewarding nature of a career in software test automation, both monetarily and in terms of professional recognition.
So if you?re looking for the perfect job opportunity that allows you to work with cutting-edge technologies while also providing an excellent salary package, then this is certainly a field you should consider pursuing.
Conclusion
A career in Automation Software Testing is a lucrative and rewarding choice, offering an abundance of benefits. From the opportunity to work with the latest technologies to high demand for skilled testers and generous salaries – this profession has it all!
It provides a unique combination of job security and professional recognition that can be difficult to find in other industries. With the right set of skills and knowledge, one can become highly successful as an automation tester and reap the rewards both financially and professionally.
So if you?re looking for a rewarding job that involves working on cutting-edge technologies while also providing lucrative salary packages – then this is certainly the field you should consider pursuing.
The field of Automated Testing is an important arena of expertise if you happen to be aspiring for the position of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET).
SDETs have emerged as invaluable assets for organizations as they happen to bring in the priceless bundle of proficiencies as a Developer as well as a Software Tester.
We, at Syntax Technologies, provide you with the exciting opportunity to develop expertise in consonance with that of an SDET. Be ready for one of the most in-demand tech jobs with our SDET training course. Enrol today:
