In this edition of BrowserStack Champion Spotlight, we meet Rahul Parwal, a software developer turned software tester. In this interview, Rahul shares with us his journey as a software tester, his approach to work, the tools he prefers, his role as a mentor, and some interesting advice for people who want to get started and have a successful testing career.
About Rahul
Rahul is an Indian tester and explorer with a passion for software testing. He enjoys reading mythology, following cricket, and spending quality time with his family. Although he began his career as a developer, Rahul discovered his love for software testing and actively pursued opportunities to learn and grow in the field. Rahul has over Ten years of experience in the software industry and is passionate about quality assurance. He is now part of the BrowserStack Champions community, which allows him to connect with other testing professionals and learn from exchanging knowledge and experiences.
Unleashing Passion and Expertise: Rahul's Journey in Software Testing
Rahul began his career as a Software Developer but soon discovered his passion for software testing. This passion sparked when his team needed a C# developer, and he was the only one with that skill set. That was when he made the transition to a test automation engineer, and he has loved it ever since.
Rahul delved into various testing techniques, tools, and methodologies through online communities and social platforms to further his knowledge and satisfy his curiosity. As a result of his hard work and dedication, He is now a Senior Software Engineer at ifm Engineering, where he is responsible for developing and executing testing strategies, analyzing results, and recommending improvements. What truly sets Rahul's experience at ifm apart is the freedom and flexibility he enjoys. Empowered to explore, learn, and innovate, he embraces the dynamic nature of his work. The company encourages him to experiment with testing tools, techniques, and methodologies, enabling continuous skill improvement and keeping him at the forefront of industry trends.
In his own words
I am fortunate to have a great balance of freedom, creativity, and responsibility in my role. I can contribute to the organization's success while also growing and developing as a software tester. - Rahul
Adaptable and Resourceful: Rahul's Approach to Technical Expertise
Rahul's proficiency in programming languages like Python and C# showcases his technical expertise. However, what truly sets him apart is his flexible mindset when it comes to selecting tools and programming languages for each project. Rather than having fixed preferences, Rahul embraces an open-minded approach, evaluating tools and frameworks that best align with the project's unique requirements, context, and constraints.
Understanding that the choice of tool or framework should be purpose-driven and tailored to the specific testing objectives, Rahul goes beyond mere test execution tools. He explores a multitude of micro tools that can enhance and streamline every micro-task he undertakes as a tester. Recognizing the importance of these micro tools in maximizing productivity, Rahul and Ajay Balamurugadas, esteemed BrowserStack Champions, have curated an extensive collection of over 400 such tools in the Ultimate Productivity Toolkit. For those seeking Rahul's personal testing kit, it can be found below.
The Future of Software Testing: Exciting Developments Await
Rahul is thrilled about the upcoming developments in software testing. He's particularly excited about three key areas: exploratory testing, context-driven testing, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Exploratory testing emphasizes experience-based testing, where testers rely on intuition and expertise to find potential issues that might be missing from written requirements. Rahul believes this method can uncover problems that scripted testing might overlook, providing valuable insights into software quality.
Context-driven testing tailors the testing approach to the specific context of the software being tested. It considers factors like the business domain, software architecture, user base, and testing objectives. Rahul appreciates that this approach recognizes there's no one-size-fits-all method and encourages testers to adapt to the specific software context.
Rahul is also excited about the potential of AI tools in software testing. These tools can automate repetitive tasks, allowing testers to focus on more creative and engaging aspects of their work. He sees AI as a game-changer that can make testing more efficient, effective, and enjoyable.
Overall, He can't wait to see how these advancements will shape the future of software testing, bringing improvements and new possibilities to the field.
Valuable Advice for New Test Engineers and Software Testers
To thrive in the field of software testing, continuous skill development is essential. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:
- Start testing! There is no substitute for experience. The more you test, the better you will become at it.
- Test things inside and out. It means testing all aspects of the software, including its functionality, usability, and performance.
- Document everything that you see. It will help you track your progress and identify potential issues.
- Take any app or tool and write your observations (experience report). It will help you to document your findings and share them with others. They raise bugs or change requests if they are open-source tools or apps. It will help to improve the software and to make it more user-friendly.
- Write/Blog about it and Publish it on LinkedIn or Twitter. It is a great way to share your knowledge and build your reputation as a software tester.
- Add some unit tests if you know how to code. This will help to ensure that the software is free of errors.
- Search on YouTube or Google for Testing Conferences, and you will find many more relevant tips to excel at this craft.
- Record videos of your testing and upload them on YouTube. It's okay if no one sees them, but it's crucial for you to self-reflect on your work.
By following these tips, you can become a successful software tester. Just remember to be patient, persistent, and always willing to learn.
Embracing the BrowserStack Champions Program: Rahul's Journey
Rahul's decision to join the BrowserStack Champions Program stemmed from his desire to connect with fellow testing professionals and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and growth. As an ardent software tester, he recognized the significance of continuous learning and viewed the program as an avenue for personal and professional development.
Through the program, he has been able to:
- Learn from webinars and events: He has attended webinars and events where he learned about new testing techniques and best practices. These experiences have expanded his testing skills and kept him updated with the latest industry trends.
- Collaborate with professionals worldwide: Rahul has connected with testing professionals from different parts of the world. This collaboration has helped him grow his network and gain insights from a diverse range of experts.
- Share knowledge and find purpose: Sharing his own knowledge and experiences with others has given Rahul a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Being recognized as a thought leader in the testing community has motivated him to contribute further to the profession's growth.
I am honored to be recognized as a thought leader in the testing community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the testing profession. I encourage other software testers to consider joining the BrowserStack Champions Program. It is a valuable resource that can help you to improve your skills, knowledge, and network. - Rahul
According to Rahul, having a community of experts is highly beneficial. It provides an opportunity to learn from others, regardless of your own level of expertise. Being able to ask questions, share ideas, and receive feedback from experienced professionals is incredibly valuable.
Recently, Rahul posted a question about desktop app testing to the community of experts and received helpful responses. This demonstrated the power of collaboration within the community.
Another advantage of being part of a community of experts is the ability to collaborate on complex projects. When faced with challenges, having a network of professionals to seek advice and support from can make a significant difference. Collaborating with experts allows Rahul to leverage their knowledge and experiences, leading to better solutions and outcomes.
Currently, Rahul is working on a project to develop a new software application. By seeking feedback from experts in software development, he has been able to improve the project and increase its chances of success.
Rahul's Experience with BrowserStack Products
As an open-source enthusiast and testing professional, I have used the free offerings by BrowserStack and have had a positive experience with their products. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to get started and navigate. Overall, I highly recommend BrowserStack to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use cross-browser testing platform.- Rahul
Rahul also expressed his admiration for BrowserStack's commitment to the open-source and testing communities. As an advocate for open-source software, he appreciates BrowserStack's provision of free testing tools and resources to the open-source community. This support enables developers and testers to deliver high-quality software with greater ease and efficiency.
Connect with Rahul: Linkedin | Twitter | Github | Website
Join the global community of testing and QA professionals from around the world and start on your journey. By becoming a part of the BrowserStack Champions Program, you'll have access to the inspiring stories and insights from industry thought leaders. Discover the path to success and be motivated by the achievements of others. Apply now to share your own success story with the world!
