A very common question that a software Testing aspirant has is… Do testers have to write code??
To segment up the network, VLAN-supported workstations and servers that are connected to the switch can be grouped into different Virtual LANs (VLANs).The switch supports Layer 2 802.1p Priority Queue control to prioritize network packets.
The switch allows you to combine between 2 and 4 ports per trunk to create multiple port trunks.The switch support VLANs to let you improve security and bandwidth utilization by limiting the broadcast domains and confining intra-group traffic within their segments.
Dr.Explain is based on a unique interface analysis and screen capture system. Thanks to this system, Dr.Explain can automatically analyze an application’s user interface, take screenshots of all controls and elements, and then add explanatory callouts to. Jan 28, 2003 The User Manual Manual: How to Research, Write, Test, Edit & Produce a Software Manual (Untechnical Press Books for Writers Series.) Michael Bremer on Amazon.com.FREE. shipping on qualifying offers. The User Manual Manual is a master's course on software manuals. It describes the grammar, style, techniques and tricks needed to write a manual the gets read. Sep 30, 2019 Software documentation can be structured in 1 of 2 formats, the reference manual and the user guide. Sometimes, a combination of formats is the best approach. A reference manual format is devoted to explaining the individual features of a software application (button, tab, field, and dialog box) and how they work. May 10, 2011 Software, computers, games, and devices require user manuals, guides that explain how to use the product (and how not to). A user manual is a formal writing piece with a specific structure, and should be written by someone who is intimately familiar with the product such as a technical writer or the product designer. Oct 22, 2018 As the name implies, User Guides are written to help people understand an software application or IT system. They are also called User Manuals. When writing a User Guide, use simple language with short sentences. This writing style helps the user understand the application. Online Help, Documentation and User Assistance. Your software users’ success is only limited by the quality and accessibility of the instructions, help, and documentation you make available to them. Depending on the nature of the applications, you may require guidance in one or more of these forms: online Help (viewer launched from the interface).
Before we answer this question, a complete insight into a various software testing role is necessary to understand.
Software QA is typically divided into two categories,
- Quality Analyst: QA verifies the functionality and completeness of the test. QA verifies the software only after the development phase. QA role is not as technical as a developer and may not require coding.
- SDET(Software Design Engineer in Test): While SDET on other hand is one who understands the inner workings of the product. They understand database concepts, programming languages, etc. and they also participate in product design, data design, and user interfaces. SDETs have to work during the development phase and require a coding knowledge. So the role of an SDET is more challenging, and it involves job of both, developer as well as a Tester. Automation Testers (who use tools like QTP, Selenium) can also be classified as SDET.
So based on the role of tester, it can be determined whether tester should require a coding knowledge or not? Let answer few more questions related to it.
We will see following things during this tutorial.
- What skill are sets required to become a good tester?
- What tester should know?
- How much coding knowledge is required to become a good tester?
Attributes of a good tester
Software testing methodology varies according to the need and specifications of the software product. A good QA or software tester plays an important role in the completion of a testing process.
Attributes of good testers are;
- Good domain knowledge
- Good logical thinking and
- Good knowledge of programming skills.
How much coding knowledge does tester require
Writing code and debugging is the developer's job.
Then the question arises, why coding knowledge is necessary for testers?
Let see some of the reason, why knowing coding becomes necessary for testers. Dji mavic 2 pro user manual pdf.
Software testing basically involves two approaches Manual Testing and Automation testing. At an advanced level, testing can be classified as a White box, Black box or Grey box testing. Different testing techniques require a different set of skill by testers.
- While performing Black box testing, the tester does not require the knowledge of coding. Tester simply tests the software by inputting the data and then checks the output.
- White box testing or code-driven testing requires code knowledge. Knowing various programming concepts like C, C#, C++, RDBMS concept, etc. may be helpful.
- Testers require good coding knowledge when they go after an automation testing or white box testing. This is because automation testing involves statement coverage, code coverage, cyclomatic complexity, etc. all these concepts need a good knowledge of programming skills and database.
- SQL (Structured Query Language)- Sometimes testing needs database verification. So, testers need to have the basic knowledge of SQL commands like –'select', 'create', 'update 'and so on.
- SQL –injection, 'SQL injection' is one of the techniques used for the database hacking by inserting unwanted commands. A good knowledge of JavaScript and SQL commands comes handy to avert such software security threats.
- Agile Testing- In agile testing, the whole team is responsible for the quality of the software. Throughout the agile process, the tester will work with one or more programmers to write test. So for creating an automatable test, it is imperative for testers to know the code.
Some Important Tips for software QA analyst
- Knowledge of manual testing, scripting languages like JavaScript, etc. will add credit to your testing skills.
- Being a tester, you should build your basic knowledge of programming languages like Java, VBScript It is not must, but it is necessary. Knowledge of SQL concepts, DBMS concept, is a good practice for you.
Besides these, there are few general tips that can help software QA analyst,
- Communication skill
- Analytical Mindset
- Aptitude
Knowing to code in software testing helps a lot to QA analyst or tester throughout their career.
Summary:
Software QA is typically divided into two categories,
- QA Testers: It does not require coding knowledge
- SDET: It requires coding knowledge
Attributes of good testers are
- Good domain knowledge
- Good logical thinking and
- Good knowledge of programming skills.
Testers require good coding knowledge when they go after an automation testing
Think about the last time that you consulted a manual. Did you start at the beginning and read the whole manual? Probably not. You probably looked first at the index or the table of contents. Once you found the right page or topic, you probably scanned the page first to see if it contained the information you needed. This is how most people read manuals.
No one wants to read your user manual. No one will read your user manual from front to back savoring every word and phrase. Technical documents are not novels. Readers want user manuals to answer their questions quickly so that they can get back to whatever they were doing.
A successful user manual provides users with quick answers to the questions that they might have about a particular product. Users searching for information don’t want to know about the latest and greatest features of a product. Users want to know how to complete tasks. Technical writing focuses on user tasks and the concepts that support the tasks.
Below are some practical tips on writing user manuals that will help you to write content that adapts to the needs of users.
Think like a user
When writing a manual, you need to put on a “user’s hat” and think like a user. You should have a good understanding of your users so you can understand the information they need to know, their background, and their knowledge of the product. Once you think like a user, you can write content that the users need to know.
If you have the opportunity, you will find it very useful to watch users actually using the product. When you watch users interacting with the product, you will get a better idea of what the users need to do, how they approach each task, and when they might use approaches to tasks that are unexpected.
Use active voice
Active voice emphasizes the user and is easier to read and understand. In most cases, especially in user manuals, you should use active voice. In active voice, the subject and verb in the sentence are clear. In passive voice, the subject is unknown and is acted upon by something that is not known or not stated. Passive voice uses verbs that include a form of “to be”.
Compare the two sentences below.
How To Write A Software User Manual For Java Application Pdf
Passive voice: Supplies that will be needed to complete this project include a hammer, a screwdriver, and a rubber mallet.
Active voice: To complete this project, you will need a hammer, a screwdriver, and a rubber mallet.
The sentence that uses active voice makes it clear that the reader is the person who will complete the action. By using the active voice, you will make your writing more clear, concise, and direct.
Focus on the reader
User manuals should always focus on the reader. When writing information that involves the reader, such as instructions, use “you” and the active voice. Speaking directly to the reader will:
- Reinforce the message that the information is intended for the reader
- Pull readers into the document and make it relevant to them
- Help to avoid passive voice by focusing on the reader
Compare the two sentences below.
Lack of reader focus: There are three options for viewing content in the editor.
Reader focus: You can choose from one of three options for viewing content in the editor.
The sentence that uses “you” focuses on the reader and makes it clear that the reader is the person doing the action. You should aim to use “you” in your writing to make the content more relevant to the reader.
Write clear instructions
The primary objective of user manuals is to help users complete tasks. Below are some guidelines to help you write clear and concise instructions.
Software User Manual Template
- Use numbered lists for instructions unless the instruction includes a single step.
- Use parallel construction for each step. Usually, you should start each step with an imperative word, such as “Enter”, “Click”, “Select”, etc. When you start each step with an imperative word, you are providing the user with clear cues on the required action for each step.
- Avoid using a system response as a step. For example, don’t say, “The Info dialog window opens” as a step. You can incorporate system responses (when necessary) in the step that initiated the system response or you can mention the system response at the beginning of the following step, e.g. “In the Info dialog window, …”.
- Provide just enough information so that the user can complete a task or understand a concept. Omit any extraneous information that the user does not need to know. Concise content makes it easier to understand concepts and tasks.
Establish standards
When creating documentation, there will be areas where there may be more than one way to spell a word, refer to an object, caption graphics, punctuate sentences, lay out a page, and organize information. These are just a few of the decisions that writers must make when they create documents. By establishing standards, the writer’s job becomes much easier since most of those decisions will have been already made.
The Chicago Manual of Style and Microsoft Manual of Style are two popular style guides. If you use an established style guide, you may still need to establish some specific guidelines for your writing project. As you encounter any issues with styles, you can create your own additional style rules that address the specific needs of your project.
If you would like to become a technical writer, you may want to consider registering for our Professional Technical Writing Course. It is an online course where you will learn how to write and revise instructions, technical reports, and software manuals (key technical writing documents).