Six Features Software Developers Look for in a QA Tool

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Quality assurance tools can test, improve, and simplify quality processes. During the creation of software, QA is one of the most important processes.

Any software must be tested extensively before it is rolled out publicly. So, software developers use open source or commercial tools to test their products based on the requirements for the type of software being created. 

In general, there are three categories of QA tools for software development: test management tools, performance testing tools, and functional testing tools. The latter includes the subcategories of API testing tools, unit testing tools, multi-browser testing tools, and multi-device testing tools. 

Software developers understand how important the right QA tools are for ensuring their products meet their expected requirements. Here are six features developers look for in a QA tool. 

 

1. Testing That Interacts with the User Interface

You may think that all leading QA tool brands offer the same features, but they do not. You have probably heard of Selenium as well as Selenium competitors like Rainforest. Many software developers prefer Rainforest’s QA tools because, unlike Selenium, Rainforest tests interact with the user interface of your app instead of the underlying code. 

That means the test reflects the actual experience of end-users interacting with the product. When code changes are irrelevant to the UI, the test will not result in failure. 

2. The User Interface of the QA Tool

Speaking of user interfaces, software developers not only create them. They also look for clean and attractive ones when considering which QA tools to use.

Developers need to ensure the QA tool interface looks great, is intuitive to use, and functions as it is supposed to. 

3. Multiple Programming Languages

One of the most important features that software developers look for is whether the QA tool supports the most popular programming languages. 

4. Reporting Features

 It is crucial that any QA tool’s reporting feature is readable, detailed, and customized. So, software developers always make sure the reporting feature is up to scratch.

5. The Usability of the QA Tool

Even though software developers are clever people who can master new skills within their field quickly, they do not want to spend lots of valuable time learning and mastering a new tool. 

So, the usability of the QA tool that developers choose is a top priority. 

Developers could look for things like whether the tool can test across different operating systems, browsers, and mobile devices. They will also want to know whether the tool can integrate with other testing tools. 

Before getting a QA tool, software developers should ask themselves:

  • Does the tool have the right processing power for different devices? 
  • Is optimal processing accessible? 
  • Is the QA tool easy to connect with other tools? 
  • Does the QA tool have any pre-built integrations? 
  • Is it possible to import objectives designed in other software?

6. Access to Support

Even when developers find QA tools that are easy to use, they will want to have access to tech support and other support avenues, like tutorials and user support. It can also be helpful to choose a QA tool for which there is an online community. 

Summing Up

If you are looking for a QA tool, you now know some of the key features to look for. But you also need to take your own requirements into account. Make a list of what is important for you in a QA tool and you will more easily find the right one. 

Whatever your own requirements, make sure that your QA tool has these six features:

  • Testing that interacts with the user interface of your software.
  • An excellent user interface.
  • Multiple programming language support.
  • Excellent reporting features.
  • Great usability.
  • Access to support.