09 May
09May

When people hear "software testing", they often think it's just about finding bugs. But testing is much more than that. It is a professional discipline with a clear purpose: to help build reliable, quality software. Let’s explore this in simple terms.


🚀 Imagine this…

You’re building a bridge. Before cars can drive on it, someone must make sure it doesn’t collapse. That someone is the tester, and the software is the bridge. Testing isn’t just “does it work?” — it’s “does it work well, consistently, and safely under all conditions?”


🎯 What’s the Real Purpose of Testing?

According to ISTQB, software testing has several key objectives:

  • Find defects before they reach users.
  • Increase confidence in the software quality.
  • Evaluate the quality from multiple perspectives.
  • Prevent defects as early as possible.

Yes — testing also prevents issues, not just finds them.


🧠 Why Can’t We Test Everything?

A key principle in ISTQB is that exhaustive testing is impossible. Why? Because there are too many combinations, paths, and scenarios. That’s why we focus testing on what matters most — risk-based testing.


📚 Quick History: The Birth of Testing as a Discipline

In the 1970s, the role of tester began to be recognized as separate from developers. Over time, it became clear that having independent testers to evaluate quality was crucial. That led to the creation of testers, testing tools... and eventually the ISTQB.


🛠️ What Does a Tester Do?

A tester is not just someone who clicks around. A tester:

  • Analyzes requirements.
  • Designs test cases.
  • Executes and records results.
  • Reports defects clearly.
  • Helps teams make informed quality decisions.

In modern teams, testers help from the very start (early testing).


📌 Practical Example: A Mobile Banking App

Imagine an app to send money. A tester doesn’t just check the "send" button. They also check:

  • What happens without internet?
  • What if the number is invalid?
  • Can it double-send with fast taps?

Testing is about predicting and preventing user-facing issues.


✅ Conclusion

Software testing is a vital discipline in modern development. It’s not just about clicking buttons — it’s about ensuring a product works, is safe, and fulfills its purpose. Testers are the silent guardians of quality.