Holiday thanks to… the bug

The software testers celebrate their professional holiday on Sunday. This date is not accidental. On September 9, 1947, Harvard University scientists tested the computing machine Mark II Aiken Relay Calculator and found a moth that had landed between two solenoid contacts, shorting out an electromechanical relay. Grace Hopper wrote about insect removal in the registration journal: “First actual case of bug being found.” Now the moth is still stored in the computer technology museum. The process of fixing bugs is termed “debugging” due to this amusing incident.

What does the term “tester” mean? The English word “test” means “verification.” This is exactly what the testers do. The specialists test new products, analyze the advantages and disadvantages, search for errors. The tester’s work range is extensive – from assessing the quality of food or toys to musical instruments and technical equipment. But first, software testers celebrate this international holiday. Not in vain the poor moth was in the computer.

There is an opinion that those, who did not manage to become programmers, become testers. However, the professional tester must have different knowledge and skills.

“Analyzing the principles of the software work, the tester must think like a software developer. On the other hand, he needs to check the program from the user’s point of view, to correct all mistakes and avoid the consumers’ dissatisfaction before the product is released on the market”, says Igor Katin, Head of Software Development Department at BS/2 company, a part of Penki kontinentai group.

The profession of the tester becomes more popular and prestigious. This work requires attention and patience.

“The tester should have analytical thinking and good memory, be able to learn quickly and solve the tasks assigned to him. It is important that he can simulate situations that may arise using a software product. The tester’s work is important because it helps manufacturers correct software errors,” says I. Katin.

According to Mantas, the tester of the software .iQ family for financial companies and retailers, developed by BS/2, testing is the defects prevention and the quality control by monitoring the production process (from creation to release on the market).

“It may seem that the tester’s work is monotonous and uninteresting. However, we are researchers who are looking for something that is not visible to the naked eye to maximizing the product quality,” says Mantas. – We are testing not only a new product but also every update. It is great to test the new ATMeye.iQ update and create a professional, internationally recognized system for self-service device protection and monitoring. The Lithuanian Business Confederation awarded ATMeye.iQ as Best Service of the Year (2018). When you test a solution that protects more than 75,000 self-service devices in almost 80 countries, you feel meaningful.”

Congratulations to all testers! A tester is more than a profession. We are talking about knowledge and energy, united by the desire to create the best product and make life better for everyone!