SDETs are essentially developers with a focus on testing. They possess strong programming and coding skills.
They are capable of writing and maintaining code to automate tests, build testing tools, and contribute to the overall development process.
Automation:
SDETs are heavily involved in test automation. They design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts to ensure the quality and reliability of software products.
Integration with Development:
SDETs work closely with developers and are often part of the development team. They participate in code reviews, collaborate on design decisions, and contribute to the overall software development process.
End-to-End Testing:
SDETs are typically involved in end-to-end testing, which involves testing the entire software application to ensure that all components work together as expected.
Coding Practices:
SDETs apply software engineering best practices to testing. They use version control systems, write modular and maintainable code, and follow development workflows.
Tester:
Manual Testing:
Testers are primarily involved in manual testing, where they execute test cases manually without the use of automation tools. They identify defects, report issues, and validate that the software meets specified requirements.
Exploratory Testing:
Testers often perform exploratory testing, where they explore the application to find defects that may not be covered by predefined test cases.
Scripted Testing:
Testers follow scripted test cases to ensure that the software functions correctly. They may also be involved in creating and updating test documentation.
Collaboration with SDETs:
Testers collaborate with SDETs to provide feedback on automated test scripts, identify areas for automation, and work together to improve the overall testing process.
Non-Development Focus:
Testers may not have strong programming skills, and their primary focus is on validating the software manually.