What will be the future of software QA manual engineer?

The future of a software QA manual engineer is influenced by several trends and shifts in the software development and testing landscape. While the industry is seeing increased adoption of automated testing and new technologies, there are still valuable roles and opportunities for manual QA engineers. Here are some aspects that may shape the future of software QA manual engineers:

1. Automation and Manual Testing Coexistence:

   • While automated testing continues to gain popularity, there will always be scenarios where manual testing is essential. Manual QA engineers will likely continue to play a crucial role in exploratory testing, usability testing, and scenarios that are challenging to automate.

2. Shift-Left and Agile Practices:

   • The industry's shift towards Agile and DevOps practices emphasizes early testing in the development lifecycle. Manual QA engineers may be involved in the early stages, collaborating closely with developers and performing exploratory testing to identify issues early on.

3. Focus on Exploratory Testing:

   • Exploratory testing, which involves real-time exploration of the application, is a skill that manual QA engineers excel at. As software becomes more complex, the ability to find unique scenarios, edge cases, and usability issues will remain valuable.

4. AI and Machine Learning in Testing:

   • The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in testing tools may impact the testing landscape. Manual QA engineers could potentially leverage AI-driven tools to enhance their testing efforts, such as intelligent test case generation or automated anomaly detection.

5. Upskilling and Continuous Learning:

   • Manual QA engineers will need to adapt to new tools, methodologies, and technologies. Continuous learning and upskilling in areas like automation, scripting, and understanding emerging technologies will be essential for staying relevant.

6. Specialized Testing Roles:

   • QA engineers may specialize in certain types of testing, such as security testing, performance testing, or accessibility testing. Manual QA engineers with domain expertise in specific testing areas may find opportunities to contribute to specialized testing efforts.

7. Collaboration and Communication Skills:

   • Soft skills such as effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams will continue to be crucial. Manual QA engineers who can articulate testing insights, collaborate with developers, and contribute to team dynamics will remain valuable.

8. Remote and Distributed Teams:

   • The rise of remote and distributed teams may influence how testing is conducted. Manual QA engineers should be adaptable to working in diverse team setups and leveraging collaboration tools effectively.

9. Quality Advocacy:

   • Manual QA engineers can position themselves as advocates for quality within development teams. By emphasizing the importance of thorough testing, user experience, and customer satisfaction, they contribute to a culture of quality across the software development lifecycle.

In conclusion, the future of software QA manual engineers involves a combination of adapting to technological advancements, embracing new methodologies, and leveraging the unique skills that manual testing offers. As the industry evolves, those who continually update their skill sets and contribute to the overall quality of software will likely find meaningful roles in software testing.