From Code to Quality: Understanding the Term SDET and SDET Responsibilities

Poojithaj
TestVagrant

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SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a person who can equally be a part of development as well as the testing stage of software development and testing cycle. SDET is entirely focused on testability, robustness and performance of software testing and development process. Their primary objective is to maintain and enhance the quality of the application throughout the development process, ultimately aiming to deliver a high-quality product to the market.

The below diagram shows the role of an SDET

The Vital Tasks of an SDET: These are some of the responsibilities of an SDET

  1. Test Automation: SDETs are responsible for automating tests. They write test cases manually in documents for reference and code them using different tools and technologies, which helps to test any function or module by just running the automated test cases instead of checking them manually, which saves more time and allows for faster completion.
  2. Test Case Creation: SDETs first understand the requirements of software by closely working with the development team to know how the software and functions are working, and then they create test cases or scenarios to ensure the software meets all the requirements and functions properly.
  3. Framework Development: SDETs create and maintain the framework for any application. It’s like the structure where we can write all the test scenarios for an application in one place, which allows tests to be organised and executed efficiently.
  4. Defect Reporting and Analysis: When SDETs (Software Development Engineers in Test) identify any issues or anomalies within the application, they conduct a thorough investigation and analysis. If a particular function fails to meet the application’s requirements, they classify it as a bug and subsequently submit a comprehensive report to the development team. This report includes a detailed explanation of the bug, information on how to replicate the issue, and recommendations for potential fixes.
  5. Continuous Integration: SDETs use different tools like Jenkins, GitHub, etc. for continuous integration, which makes the tests run regularly so that they can catch issues at an early stage of the development process.
  6. Quality Assurance: SDETs play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the overall quality of software systems. They treat quality as a major priority.
  7. Collaboration and Communication: SDETs actively collaborate with developers, quality assurance teams, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

In conclusion, the role of an SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is vital in ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. SDETs are skilled professionals who bridge the gap between development and testing, focusing on testability, robustness, and performance throughout the software development lifecycle.

Funny Quote -
SDET: Smashing Defects, Earning Trust

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