The Importance of Software Testing in 2020

It's the 21st century and technology has taken over nearly every aspect of our lives. Companies in every industry and of every size rely on software to run their operations. While software testing was definitely necessary back when people were just getting used to running this tech, is it still a requirement in 2020?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes. There will never be a time when software testing isn't necessary. Both people and technology are prone to make mistakes. So it's critical that companies check to make sure everything is operating efficiently and in the way it was designed.

Even the best planning and developing tools in the world, you're bound to run into a few issues when using the software. That's where testing comes into play. Testing ensures that everything operates perfectly before you rely on the software for your actual business.

Whether you rely on a reputable software testing company or somebody within your own operation, having multiple eyes double-check your software ensures things are good to go for the long run.

Let's take a look at a few reasons why it's still important to use software testing in 2020.

Highlights issues

Most software undergoes several iterations before being released to the public in the final versions. During these multiple stages of development, it's not uncommon for errors or defects to occur. Having reliable software testing can help point out these inherent flaws. Some of the issues could come from an incorrect programming language, not enough experience on the side of the programmer or miscommunication between two teammates.

Protects company reputation

Ongoing customer satisfaction is one of the requirements for running a successful company in 2020. This is especially true for companies producing software. Since the average consumer relies on software to complete countless daily tasks, there's not a lot of room for error before customers start looking for other providers. Having a test conducted on your software can help secure your reputation — the final product that’s offered to clients will be flawless.

Wards off financial penalties

If you're providing software to another company, there may be specific clauses in the agreement that could cost your business significant monetary penalties if the software doesn’t work as described. Reputable software testing companies know what to look for, making sure the software matches all requirements laid out in these agreements. This can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Helps you remain a competitor

If a user isn’t satisfied with the software, they won't hesitate to look elsewhere. That’s why it’s important for companies to invest in software testing to remain a viable competitor in the market. Not only can you feel confident about your product post-testing, but you can also advertise the testing to clients in order to give them peace of mind that it's a high-quality product.

Saves you time and money

Other than the regular update, you don't want to be spending extra time and money to fix problems on the software you've already released. Instead, you want to focus on building, perfecting and selling new products. Software testing can help prevent the need for you to make constant changes on past software due to flukes or missed errors in the original version. It's a small price to pay to keep your company's eyes set on the future.

Smooths out the development process

What many companies need to understand is that software testing isn't just something that happens at the end of development. It's something that ideally will happen at each stage of production. It's helpful to view software testing as a sort of quality control. If these measures are taken throughout the lifespan of a software, problems can be detected and fixed as you go, making the future of development much smoother. Instead of wasting time and money for a complete overhaul at the end, you can invest in small bits of software testing to work out the kinks along the way.

Software testing isn't the most exciting thing for companies to think about, but it’s a critical part of running a successful and long-lasting company in 2020. Your clients, customers, and partners will all be better off thanks to the testing you conduct.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes