Career In Software Testing Vs. Software Development - 2023

hi biggie, i have researched a lot about this and what i understood is same, be it development or testing both has equal importance.
for development we need to have very good reasoning and analytical-skills.
and interest in programming, so finally one has to decide their choice 😀. i have a doubt, after like 1 or 2 years of experience in testing field, can we jump to development side, with full fledged preparation for development?😉 same as a fresher in development side?

Both software testing and development jobs would (for that matter, any engineering job would) require you to have reasoning, analytical and logical skills. Changing career paths is difficult but not impossible. Few of my friends decided to shift from development to testing and few jumped from testing to development. But the jump isn't very easy always.

The major reason for this shift of track being difficult is that once you are experienced in something, no Organization would really want to lose out on your expertise. 2 years later, you'll be commanding higher salary than a fresher and if both of you are starting afresh, the company would rather prefer a fresher than a candidate who's built his/her expertise in testing or development.

It entirely depends on your employer, nature of projects available, and the criteria that might look favorable to having you switch track after getting experience in one field for two years.

It doesn't make much sense to switch track actually, unless you get terribly pissed off at work. If you've dedicated two years to something, you should better be building on it than switching to something newer. Of course, if you have a very strong will and are ready to do whatever it takes, you might find yourself in the career path of your choice.

My friend had spent ~2 years in development and he decided to switch to software testing. He had to change his organisation and take salary cut because the new employer agreed to hire him at a fresher level.

thank you biggie for the information...😀

Hi Kaustubh,
I'm a B.Tech(CSIT) graduate working as Testing Engineer. I do Manual Testing.
Coding is my passion and I always wanted to be a developer but unfortunately I got into testing domain😔 after joining our organization.So, I thought of moving to development.Now,I have started doing automation which is interesting but we use only vbscript in QTP.
Is it better to move to development or to continue career in automation testing by getting hands on QTP and selenium.

If coding is your interest, I think you should consider yourself lucky that you're in testing domain. I think you haven't explored all the opportunities the world of QA opens for you.

I'd strongly recommend that you should develop expertise in all the automation tools out there. Start with JUnit, HTTPUnit, Ruby, Selenium, PERL scripting and QTP. With your main interest in coding; it should be very easy for you to develop expertise in all these automation & scripting tools and trust me - that's going to make your whole profile kick-ass!

If I were you, I'd definitely leverage my current experience in testing, develop additional skills and then look for the company that offers me the right salary & role. I'm confident that with all of those in your resume - no company will ever deny you a job.

PS: There's a huge shortage of QTP & Selenium experts. But don't limit yourself to those tools. Combine the best of programming and testing and you should see yourself skyrocketing past your peers in development (and testing).

Thanks for your reply Kaustubh..

If coding is your passion and your are in testing. Selenium is best thing you could learn. It's just replica of core java coding and most of tester fear of coding.
There is very good market and opportunity in selenium.

How is the future of vsts 2012 testing tool of .net ?

Manisha Singh27How is the future of vsts 2012 testing tool of .net ?

I'd not recommend any software testing engineer to stick to one particular tool. All the automation tools are intended to automate the manual execution of test cases. Once you become familiar with one tool; learning others shouldn't be too difficult.

That said, if you are talking about Visual Studio testing tool, I think it should attract you a few job offers; but it'd help if you could do a search on job portals for companies that require knowledge of this tool and then base your decision.

Hi
I am 2013 passedout
I completed my engineering(ECE). I got placed in one MNc company as a testing engineer
i am getting very less salary i am having fear on my career wether i chosen a right career or not .
please clarify my doubts wheter testing is a good career or not.

@#-Link-Snipped-# - please read the first post in this discussion. It should clarify all your doubts. If you have further questions, you may ask them below. 😀

Hi kaustaub
I have doubt why for testers alone as a fresher they are giving very less salary.

hi
I have one more doubt some of them saying that the salary for developers will be always high compare to tester.the openings also will be less for the experienced testing candidate.

I think I'd tag @#-Link-Snipped-# and @#-Link-Snipped-# - both of them have been in the Quality Assurance domain and have years of experience to tell you their own perspective.

I think it's because Indian companies don't focus on quality as much as they should do. But in the longer term; I guarantee that how much you'll earn has nothing to do with what career stream you've chosen. It's all about excelling in what you are doing.

I know a person who rose from a junior engineer to vice president of a major company in a short span of about 10 year; all while being in the QA domain. Trust me, you'd definitely want to go where there's a shortage of highly skilled people.

raghunathanHi
I am 2013 passedout
I completed my engineering(ECE). I got placed in one MNc company as a testing engineer
i am getting very less salary i am having fear on my career wether i chosen a right career or not .
please clarify my doubts wheter testing is a good career or not.

Its difficult for Electricals & Electronics engineer to go into development domain in starting until you can really impress the interviewer(or boss later) with your programming & data structure skills.

I passed out in 2012(CS)and was never a coder.Joined an organisation as java developer.Started learning J2EE and found interesting.Later was put into testing project and worked as manual tester.Found relaxing but not challenging.So thinking of switching back to development.On reading the above threads I am really in a fix now.I am more of inclination towards management stuff in IT and don't want be into technical coding all my career life even if i am finding it interesting now.Heard that at one stage growth in development stagnates.Please throw some light on this and also of other career options in IT like BA.

@#-Link-Snipped-# - I think you should stick to testing field and develop expertise in automation testing. That should give you an edge over others when it comes to promotions or even when making a switch. A testing engineer with background in development would be a killer combination; if you get into QA automation.

Ultimately, the managers; irrespective of their background, would do similar jobs: Excel, Powerpoint & Outlook (email). The only difference will be that you're likely to be managing the QA teams instead of Dev teams.

Remember that most of the projects outsourced to Indian IT companies will have the QA component; which is going to be very important when it comes to delivery.

I'd recommend developing expertise in PERL, QTP, UNIX and also master a few tools like Selenium. Enjoy the best of both worlds (relaxing+coding) and make your way to higher steps in the corporate hierarchy.

Kaustubh Katdare@#-Link-Snipped-# - A testing engineer with background in development would be a killer combination; if you get into QA automation..
.....
I'd recommend developing expertise in PERL, QTP, UNIX and also master a few tools like Selenium.

Being java/j2ee developer switching to testing, will there be any scope😀

micheal johnBeing java/j2ee developer switching to testing, will there be any scope😀

Become a Selenium webdriver tester and developer 😀

thanks for the answers but is it true that career in Core development(J2EE) stagnates at some point,as in no growth in heirarchy or financially?Also whats a BA role n how to assume it? also heard if testing provides lesser switching options while dev gives load of them.

Hello Kaustubh,

I am working as a Software Test Engineer( 1 yr) for a company in Mobility domain. It's is known that mobility domain has been working as great worldwide, but looking into the QA side profession in this domain, how do you see the testing career in Mobile app? I want to work more on Automation side of the testing . If company hire for experienced testing professionals apart from mobility domain, will be able to apply for that? How to switch from mobility testing domain to any other testing domain. Your suggestions would be helpful for me. Thanks

ShSKthanks for the answers but is it true that career in Core development(J2EE) stagnates at some point,as in no growth in heirarchy or financially?Also whats a BA role n how to assume it? also heard if testing provides lesser switching options while dev gives load of them.

I think you're thinking more than required. No one in the world knows what's going to happen to Java, PHP, Computers, Mobiles 15-20 years from now. All you need to be is an 'engineer' at heart - because tools and technologies may change; but people behind them won't.

The point I'm making is that you should only select your career based on your interests and likings and try to excel in it (remember the movie 3 Idiots?).

Almost every company out there has testing related jobs. As I said, you'll ultimately get into 'management' mode where the technologies you're working on at present will be replaced by just 2-3 tools.

Make your own survey before you take a decision.

PrachurSaikiaHello Kaustubh,

I am working as a Software Test Engineer( 1 yr) for a company in Mobility domain. It's is known that mobility domain has been working as great worldwide, but looking into the QA side profession in this domain, how do you see the testing career in Mobile app? I want to work more on Automation side of the testing . If company hire for experienced testing professionals apart from mobility domain, will be able to apply for that? How to switch from mobility testing domain to any other testing domain. Your suggestions would be helpful for me. Thanks

Welcome to CE, @#-Link-Snipped-# . Glad to have you with us.

Looking at the past trends, mobile testing should remain a hot for at least 5 years. The world is currently going through a transition from desktops and laptops to mobiles. However, I expect the businesses will happen on desktops and laptops for at least a decade.

With that assumption; you should focus on automation testing for the next 1-1.5 years before you think of making a switch. If your organisation does not offer opportunities in automation testing; you may consider learning on your own, joining a course or start contributing any open source project. QTP, Selenium, PERL and Ruby would be good tools/languages to learn and build your expertise in the next 1.5 years. You can take my word that any interviewer will be 10x impressed if you've contributed to open source projects in your part-time apart from your regular job.

There's no point in limiting yourself to specific areas in the testing domain. I've seen people who got their paychecks doubled only on the basis of QTP (back in 2007).

Your experience in mobility domain is definitely going to help you; but I strongly recommend that you should build your profile in the automation testing side. Focus on the established tools first (QTP, Selenium) and also keep an eye on the latest tools. Make a systematic plan for the next 1.5 years before you actually make a switch.

Kaustubh, thank you for your insightful suggestion . I look forward to having u over this portal again. 😀

PrachurSaikiaKaustubh, thank you for your insightful suggestion . I look forward to having u over this portal again. 😀

I'm here 24x7x365. 👍 . Make yourself comfortable with the community and start participating. There are lot of interesting discussions around.

Honestly, business works differently than academics. When tide is in your favour, you can safely say doing X would result in Y. However, if you stick to that rule, you're in grave danger. Having seen two bust cycles and survived, I can confidently say that the real survival skill is adaptibility. That's what businesses would value you the most for. Adapt to the current circumstances, learn any new skill that is required at your work faster than your peers and do it best.

Hi Kaustubh,

I am a fresher with one year of experience in application/production support . Now I want to move to a different role . I have an opportunity for becoming a automation test engineer where i will use Ruby on Rails,cucumber scripting etc . I am passionate about coding and enjoy doing it . I love challenges as well . I appreciate suggestions whether i should go for it or wait for a development opportunity .

vikkicrazyHi Kaustubh,

I am a fresher with one year of experience in application/production support . Now I want to move to a different role . I have an opportunity for becoming a automation test engineer where i will use Ruby on Rails,cucumber scripting etc . I am passionate about coding and enjoy doing it . I love challenges as well . I appreciate suggestions whether i should go for it or wait for a development opportunity .

Creating automated test cases in RoR, Selenium or cucumber is no less a development opportunity - go grab it!

vikkicrazyHi Kaustubh,

I am a fresher with one year of experience in application/production support . Now I want to move to a different role . I have an opportunity for becoming a automation test engineer where i will use Ruby on Rails,cucumber scripting etc . I am passionate about coding and enjoy doing it . I love challenges as well . I appreciate suggestions whether i should go for it or wait for a development opportunity .

Your decision would depend on a lot of factors. It's not clear whether you're getting the new opportunity in the same organisation or a new organisation. If it's in the same organisation, you should spend some time understanding the role and what kind of things you'll be doing. If you find it all interesting - go with it. Opportunities are going to be tremendous!

As @#-Link-Snipped-# said, it's no less than a programming job but in the testing domain. RoR should find you a lot of new opportunities in coming days. But make sure that you develop kick-ass skill set in the new domain. As I've said several times - a software QA or testing engineer with programming skills is going to be make a killer profile; provided you keep an eye on the industry and relevant jobs.

ShSKthanks for the answers but is it true that career in Core development(J2EE) stagnates at some point,as in no growth in heirarchy or financially?Also whats a BA role n how to assume it? also heard if testing provides lesser switching options while dev gives load of them.

Development gives less options to grow until you have good leadership and management skills but in my experience Excellent developers grow as Architects & Mentors & System(and Business) analysts & Start up owners. They are always assets to a company. Its just their exceptional technical skills that make them grow.

thank you so much for helping me out to decide @#-Link-Snipped-# and @#-Link-Snipped-# . The opportunity is in the same organisation and I hope this decision will help me in the future and also set a good platform to grow since I am in the early days of my career .

sookieDevelopment gives less options to grow until you have good leadership and management skills but in my experience Excellent developers grow as Architects & Mentors & System(and Business) analysts & Start up owners. They are always assets to a company. Its just their exceptional technical skills that make them grow.

thanks for the answer.i would choose development and look forward to becoming a Business Analyst

i m 2013 passed out be....etc branch...i want to enter the it field...nd i m not a good coder..then what shuld i prefer..testing or developer????

sumit khubnanii m 2013 passed out be....etc branch...i want to enter the it field...nd i m not a good coder..then what shuld i prefer..testing or developer????

Testing would need you to write code at one point in your career; when you work on automation testing. So the first thing you should do is start working on your coding skills. But out of your choice; testing seems to be more appropriate.

Hello Sir...
I Saw all of your posts ..
Sir.. am a fresher 2013Passout..
am a oracle certified java programmer.. and i didnt got any job..till now..in development side..because to get job in campus we need to know aptitutde and reasoning skills and Group Discussion tests.. that time when i completed my college am little tensed always to attend interview and participate in GD. so that from past 8 months am not getting job.

Sir i heard from my friends that S/W Testing jobs are easy to get than testing .. so i want to learn Testing Tools.. so to Get a good job in Testing Tools - what to learn 1st becuase there are somany are there like Automation,QTP,Selenium,ETL ,SAP testing etc..

So.. To learn all there things how much time it wil take...
today is Feb3rd 2014,I completed my Graduation in June2013..
so what is to do sir..
pls.. help to..

@#-Link-Snipped-# - I'm not sure if testing jobs are easy to get and you should really get it because you aren't getting a developer job. Trust me, testing isn't an option because you can't get into software development. You will end up frustrated in your job quicker. But if you've made up your mind to go into QA (Quality Assurance) as it's called, you should first-

1. Learn basics of testing
2. Learn how to do manual testing of software
3. Start learning automation tools, scripting languages etc.

'QTP' and 'Selenium' have been top job earners for the testing folks in the past. Selenium seems to be getting more attention because it's a browser based tool and open source. Since most of the new system are being developed to run in web browsers, you may expect more jobs in the Selenium domain. As I've said multiple times above, you should also learn UNIX and a scripting language.

Learning will totally depend on your own comprehension skills, intelligence and overall interest ing the whole QA domain. It will also depend on how you learn. The more 'practicals' you do; on your own, the fast will be your learning. Selenium and PERL would be great to start with.

@#-Link-Snipped-# ,
I think you did your OCJP certification long back and trying in interviews.
Java is very strange language, if you leave coding for even two months you will forget all the keyword which mainly interviewer expect from you.
(This is very strange hiring process of all IT companies in India, they expect from programmer to be memory ninja than a logical one)

First you need to decide you like coding or not. In case of you are deciding coding then try learning new framework and start digging inside the core java.
Even you are going to testing get training on Selenium Webdriver (Which is purely a java testing tools and high in demand these days).
For all freshers, never ever sit idle. Keep joining some training institute of your interest and keep learning. Work on self project/app development.

if i do testing course,then wat r my chances to get a good job in good company??

if i do testing course,then wat r my chances to get gud job in good company??as per market scenario

sumit khubnaniif i do testing course,then wat r my chances to get gud job in good company??as per market scenario

The appropriate questions you should be asking is:
- Do you understand what a software application is? Are you aware of the common loop-holes in a particular type of system? Do you read any QA journals or blogs or forum? If yes, you can be a tester.

However, if you think your certification will get you a job, let me tell you from experience, serious guys who do all of the above AND have a certification, get the job.

Hello
#-Link-Snipped-#

I have done my BTech 2012 (CS). I haven't got a job yet and looking for a course in testing or SAP but i am in confused in which to join and which is good for the future?

Can i please have your suggestion.

Dear @#-Link-Snipped-# - Please go through the discussion we've had so far. You'll get your own answer. There's no way we can decide which is good for your future because we simply cannot predict.

If you have very specific questions, post them here.

Hello #-Link-Snipped-#

As per the discussion i have a doubt, to get jobs based on SAP ABAP is it compulsory to be certified in SAP or is it enough completed course in the private inst who doesn't provide certification on SAP which will be better future as the SAP certification cost 2.50000 to 3,50000 in certified inst please guide me......

Hello sir,
I am a B.Tech (Computer) 2013 passed out fresher. I am bit confused whether I am truly interested in development or not. After completing my degree, I got a training from an institute on Java (core and advanced). After joining this class only I suddenly got confident in Java. I have interest in Data structures as its on "Logical reasoning". I have good and/or may be sufficient knowledge of Java to crack the interview, but do not have that confidence about practical exposure in organization (I am good in Linked lists, analytically but have not coded a single project i.e. more lines of code in Java by own ).

Recently, I prepared for Software testing online (SDLC, fundamental concepts, importance, types - I have only this much awareness of this domain), when I went for an interview on Testing profile.
I read all the posts on this site.
I found this interesting.

And started to think of this as my Career. But had so many confusions between these two domains.

I read all posts on this portal and many myths and doubts in my mind got cleared.

My question is it suitable for me if I go to Testing job( with this much knowledge of Testing ) ?
I am not able to decide sir, please help me.

P.S. - I am in a great need of a job as there is no other source of income at my home.
What I wish is to become a well promoted Software Engineer in my career.

Whether you are truly interested in software development or not is easy for you to figure out. Do you enjoy solving programming challenges? Have you learned any programming languages just for fun? Have you developed any software project on your own? If you answered yes to any of the above questions - you are interested in software development. It's the question only you can answer correctly and honestly.

You must have already had enough information about the kind of career you can expect as a software testing engineer. If you think you love software testing more than development; go for it with all your might. The industry respects experts.

Getting promotions, earning high salary and having a satisfying job is easy to achieve; provided you understand the game well. Being satisfied at the job and commanding high salary is a function of your expertise & skills. Getting promotions is all about maintaining good relationships with your bosses and managers. It also depends on the company you are working for.

So first work on your 'first confusion', pick up a career line and then dedicate yourself to it. If you go for Java; then make sure that you get certifications and you become a Java expert over a period of time. If you go for testing; master both manual and automation testing.

I hope this helps. If you have any specific questions; you may ask them below or start a new discussion in this section.

Thank you sir for such a helpful interaction.
You almost simplified my confused thoughts and indirectly increased my confidence.

I'll surely let you know about my career and keep updating you accordingly.

Thank a lot sir 😀

vivekgawariThank a lot sir 😀

Well, here's the deal : you got helped through this forum and we'd expect you to help others on this site. There're are lot of interesting discussions happening on CE where you can contribute 😀

Hi Kaustubh,

Let me introduce myself. I am Hardik from Nagpur, India. I have 5+ years of experience in the software industry. I started my career as a software developer in IBM then moved to Philips, worked on telecom and healthcare domain. Been in to development side for 4 years. After that due to personal reasons I had to move back home and assist my family in the business and out of interest I started my own side work which allowed me gain to experience in software sales & marketing.

Now my situation has changed and I would like to move back to mainstream software industry. I always had this inclination towards Testing & QA, wanted to develop and excel myself in this field. I would like to have your advice on this as to how should I do this? I don't mind going back in to developer's role but I am taking this as an opportunity to change my role to do something which I always wanted to.
My questions,

1. I am not sure where should I start from?
2. Will it be a new beginning for me?
3. I am not sure if the industry will accept me?
4. Are ex developers in testing role accepted?
5. Is it wise to do?

Your advice on this will surely help me.

TIA

Looks like I've become a professional career counselor 😀. I'm glad people find my advice useful & helpful.

@#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CrazyEngineers. I've already stated that anyone with a background the development and sound knowledge of programming will find it easier to make a career in software automation testing.

• I am not sure where should I start from?

K: Not sure what exactly you mean here. Switching from development background to testing should not be very difficult, provided you justify what you are doing and 'why' you are doing it. With IBM and Philips on my resume; I'd apply to various IT companies and look for the job.

It also means you will have to prepare for a testing interview and have a sound knowledge of how testing works, most basic <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/software-manual-testing-interview-questions.40153">Software (Manual) Testing Interview questions</a> & also make yourself familiar with automation testing. Give yourself good 2 months to make yourself ready for the QA profession.

• Will it be a new beginning for me?

K: Depends on how you present yourself. It's all about the art of convincing the people that you're a great choice for the role they are looking for. Of course, it's going to be a new beginning for you in the QA domain. There's a hell lot of content to learn.

• I am not sure if the industry will accept me?

K: Industry accepts people who can deliver the job. Why not give it a sincere try than seeking people's opinion? There's a lot of fun in proving everyone wrong, you see. Make the industry accept you! Leave them no choice to reject you.

• Are ex developers in testing role accepted?

K: ...and why not? There's no discrimination in general in the industry, as you might be aware. I'd try to get in touch with my ex-bosses and colleagues to get into the industry again.

• Is it wise to do?

K: Again, you've gotta know what you're looking for! If you really want a career in IT / QA - go for it. You already have exposure to how the industry works. Whether it's wise for you or not - you'll have to decide. Can't advise on it.

PS: Be around on CE. You will learn a lot from our fellow engineers.

Hi Kaustubh,

Thanks a lot for such quick response.
Agree to your points...I will be around CE as it is filled with lot of info.

Thanks again

Sapient is a awesome company for Java development. Ask them if you can switch to development side?
OR, what are the automation tools they are using, if Selenium Webdriver then you are in somehow in Java.