Do Software engineers write tests?

Do Software Engineers write tests?

Yes, software engineers write tests. When following the Test-driven design principle or Expectation-driven design, writing tests is an essential part of the development process.

Customary testing practices

Some software engineers write tests as they think it is necessary, while others always write tests. Some software craftsmen write tests even before writing the actual code, and others integrate testing at different levels.

Software Testing Responsibility

Regardless of whether there is a separate test/QA team, the responsibility generally lies with the software engineers to develop at least unit tests for their code. If there is no separate test/QA team, software engineers are responsible for all types of testing, including integration with other parts of the project. In cases of Test-driven development (TDD), tests are written before the actual implementation.

Testing Conducted by Engineers

Engineers often write unit tests for their routines. In systems involving multiple developers, integration and system tests are often created by dedicated test engineers. However, these test engineers are often initiated or at least influenced by software engineers.

Non-Engineer Programmers

There are also non-engineer programmers who might perform similar tasks or choose not to. Companies often establish policies to ensure that essential tests are conducted, regardless of who performs the tests.

Skilled vs. Amateur Software Developers

While skilled and professional software engineers are expected to follow established testing practices, some amateur, self-employed coders might only perform simple one-time checks in the debugger. They might fix issues only when users complain.

Conclusion

The need for testing is widely recognized in the software development community. Whether it's conducted by software engineers, dedicated test engineers, or non-engineers, it's crucial to ensure the reliability and quality of software products. Companies should have robust testing policies to maintain consistent standards and ensure that essential tests are conducted.

Next: Types of software tests