I think that there is an illusion in the industry that automated testing will replace manual testing. Likewise, another illusion is that everyone can be skilled at all levels of test automation. I like how this is laid out indicating that there are different skill sets needed at different levels for software testing.
Personally, I find myself bridging all three. I come from, initially, a primarily manual testing background with all the paperwork/documentation that goes along with it, working within a SCRUM/KanBan structure to execute those tests. But I've also taken those manual test cases and adapted them to fit into the automated testing framework at my company, also within the same organizational structure. And, at the same time, I've done the framework development as well, building code structures so that folks can fit their test cases into the overall framework. And I will guarentee it takes an entirely different skill set at each level.
Preference? I like being what this powerpoint describes as being an Automation Specialist as well as an Automation Engineer. Both pieces feel comfortable to me and are a lot of fun to do.
Hi again tristaanogre ;)
Thanks for sharing your feedback.
It seems like you already made a real transformation from being manual tester to (a mixture of) Automation Specialist/ Automation Engineer. I am sort of in the transformation process myself, actually.
However, I think a good programmer will never be a good test engineer, will never be a good programmer (all is relative of course). I think it relates to what you also mentioned 'different skill sets'.
As for manual testing, I think it won't become unnecessary or even disappear.. classic structured manual testing will make a transformation to ad hoc exploratory testing. Not because it's better! I personally feel 'classic' structured manual testing based on high-quality requirements is still a very decent approach to getting insight in quality, but (unfortunality) companies, business keep setting higher and higher demands on faster and more deliveries... in these newly shaped climates there is no time for classic structured, formalised manual testing: there is no time for manual testing an application for couple of days, as the new release is planned for the next day.
