Software Tester: 5 Ways to Determine the Best Test Management Tool For You

Software testing is a process of implementing an application or program with the purpose of determining if there are software bugs, and also authenticating that a software program or product meets the reason for which it was created.

For example, if you buy a car, you’ll most definitely take it for a test run to be sure it can do all the manufacturer says it can – same goes for a software program, it has to be tested to make sure it meets all its business and technical requirements, and that it can work effortlessly and efficiently as it should.

As a software tester, there are tools available to help and guide you towards the end you want in testing software. There are lots of tools out there in the market that you can use to achieve thorough software testing, but how do you get the best for you? How do you know the right tool to use for a particular kind of testing? Read on to get the answer, as we explore some of the most effective ways to choose the best tool to use.

1. Review what you need the tool for

Before you make any decision on the type of tool to use, you need to review exactly what you need it for. What problem do you want it to solve? Make a list of tasks you expect the tool to resolve, and determine how large or small the tool’s user base will be before starting your search.

2. Does it support your application or platform?

Various testing tools support different types of application and platforms. Some testing tools support only one type of application, that is JAVA or .NET applications, while others support various applications put together. Before you choose a software testing tool, make sure it supports your type of application.

3. Maintenance

Before you choose a software testing tool, you need to check how long the vendor will be able to maintain the software testing tool application. Do they offer you a guarantee that there will be enough manpower to follow through and maintain the product? Any vendor worth its salt, like QASymphony, should offer adequate maintenance for your software testing tool.

4. How usable is the tool?

Is the tool flexible enough to be used easily without too much technicalities? Can it be used across all demographics, regardless of the expertise of its user? You must determine how long it will take to implement the tool and the kind of engineer that can use it. Ensure your software testing tool is user-friendly and easily understandable.

5. Operation Manuals

It is always best to have a form of reference point when working with technical tools – some material to support the tool’s user, especially when the tool has to perform a specific function. Does the software testing tool come with an operation manual come with an operation manual, something to serve as support when stuck? This is one of the points to be considered when choosing a software testing tool, especially if the original product manual is too difficult for the everyday user to comprehend.