tester

A tester is a person or device that conducts tests to evaluate the quality, function, or safety of a product. In software and hardware contexts, testers verify that products meet requirements, operate correctly, and are reliable before release. The role sits within quality assurance or quality engineering and emphasizes defect identification and risk reduction for users.

In software development, testers collaborate with developers and product managers to understand requirements and acceptance criteria. They design test plans and cases, execute tests manually or with automation, and document results. They report defects with steps to reproduce and severity, and verify fixes.

Approaches vary. Manual testing relies on human exploration; automated testing uses scripts and tools to run repetitive checks. Test levels include unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing; test types cover functional, non-functional (performance, security), usability, and compatibility testing.

Automation testers build and maintain test scripts and frameworks, and often integrate tests into continuous integration pipelines to speed releases.

Outside software, testers validate hardware, electrical devices, or consumer goods by applying inputs, measuring outputs, and ensuring safety and quality standards. They may use specialized instruments and follow relevant guidelines.

Qualifications vary; many testers hold backgrounds in computer science or engineering. Certifications such as ISTQB or CSTE are common, and employers value problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. The term tester may also describe a device used to perform a test, such as a voltage tester.