Desk checking is an essential technique in software development and testing that involves a thorough manual review of source code. It is one of the first lines of defense against bugs and errors, providing a unique opportunity for developers and testers to understand and verify code before it proceeds to more formal testing phases. This technique not only aids in detecting errors but also enhances the overall quality and reliability of the software product.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Desk_Checking_in_software_testing">1 What is Desk Checking in software testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Desk_Checking">2 Advantages of Desk Checking</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_in_Desk_Checking">3 Best Practices in Desk Checking</a></li><li><a href="#Use_Case_Desk_Checking_for_an_E-commerce_Application">4 Use Case: Desk Checking for an E-commerce Application</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-desk-checking-in-software-testing">What is Desk Checking in software testing?</h2>



In the realm of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, desk checking is considered a static testing method where code is analyzed manually without executing it. The process involves a developer or a tester going through the code line by line to check for logical errors, syntax inconsistencies, and compliance with coding standards and requirements. This method can be conducted by the coder who wrote the software, a peer, or a testing professional, often involving discussions or sessions where the logic and approach of the code are debated and scrutinized.



<h2 id="advantages-of-desk-checking">Advantages of Desk Checking</h2>



Desk checking offers multiple advantages that make it an invaluable tool in the software development lifecycle:



<ol><li>Early Error Detection: By identifying errors at an early stage, desk checking helps in mitigating the costs associated with later stages of testing and maintenance.</li><li>Improved Code Quality: As errors are detected and fixed early, the overall quality of the code improves, leading to more stable and reliable software.</li><li>Enhanced Understanding: This technique provides testers and developers with a deeper understanding of the code&#8217;s functionality and logic, which is crucial for effective testing and maintenance.</li><li>Cost&#8211;Effective: It is a cost-effective method of testing as it does not require any additional tools or software and can significantly reduce the future costs of debugging and development.</li><li>Facilitates Collaboration: Desk checking often involves multiple members of the development team, fostering better communication and collaboration, and shared understanding of the project goals and methodologies.</li></ol>



<h2 id="best-practices-in-desk-checking">Best Practices in Desk Checking</h2>



To maximize the effectiveness of desk checking, consider the following best practices:



<ol><li>Include Diverse Team Members: Engage individuals from different backgrounds such as development, testing, and design to provide multiple perspectives.</li><li>Prepare and Plan: Ensure that the code is well-documented and that all necessary materials (such as requirements, design documents, and coding standards) are available before the session.</li><li>Use Checklists: Develop checklists based on common error patterns in previous projects to ensure that critical aspects are not overlooked.</li><li>Record Findings: Document all observations and decisions made during the desk check for future reference and action.</li><li>Follow Up: It’s essential to address the findings from desk checking promptly. Plan follow-up sessions if needed to verify that corrections are properly implemented.</li></ol>



While conducting desk checks, there are certain pitfalls that need to be avoided:



<ol><li>Overlooking Complexity: Complex pieces of code should be given extra attention and might require more time or a different approach to thoroughly understand and check.</li><li>Bias: There can be a tendency to overlook errors in one&#8217;s own code or to not critique a peer’s code thoroughly. An unbiased approach is critical.</li><li>Inadequate Preparation: Without proper preparation, desk checking sessions can be less productive. Participants should be well-prepared with a good understanding of the code and related documents.</li><li>Lack of Engagement: All participants should be actively involved in the process to provide insights and identify potential issues.</li></ol>



<h2 id="use-case-desk-checking-for-an-e-commerce-application">Use Case: Desk Checking for an E-commerce Application</h2>



Scenario:



An e-commerce company is developing a new feature for their online shopping platform that allows users to apply multiple discount codes at checkout. The development team has just completed the initial coding phase of this feature.



Steps:



<ul><li>Preparation: <ul><li>Developer prepares the code and documentation, including the logic flow and any assumptions made during development. </li><li>A meeting is called to conduct the desk check.</li></ul></li><li>Initial Review:<ul><li>Developer presents the code, explaining the logic they implemented to handle multiple discount codes and how they interact with existing features like promotional discounts and loyalty points.</li><li>QA engineer reviews the code line by line, checking for logical consistency and adherence to the requirements specified in the design document.</li></ul></li><li>Identification of Issues:<ul><li>QA engineer identifies a section of the code that could lead to a race condition where two discounts are applied simultaneously in a way that exceeds the total cart value.</li><li>BA’s acknowledge the oversight and discuss possible solutions with developers.</li></ul></li><li>Resolution and Action Items:<ul><li>The team agrees on a strategy to modify the code to handle exceptions more gracefully, including adding additional checks for discount combinations that are not allowed.</li><li>Developer takes notes on all feedback and agrees to revise the code accordingly. They schedule a follow-up session for the team to review the changes.</li></ul></li><li>Documentation and Follow-up:<ul><li>QA engineer documents the findings and the agreed-upon action items in the project&#8217;s issue tracking system.</li><li>Project manager updates the project timeline to include additional time for re-testing the updated feature.</li></ul></li><li>Code Revision and Re-check:<ul><li>Developer revises the code, incorporating all feedback. Once the updates are made, he invites the team for a second desk check.</li><li>The team reviews the revised code, confirming that all previously identified issues have been resolved effectively.</li></ul></li><li>Final Approval and Move to Testing:<ul><li>QA engineer prepares to conduct <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/formal-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formal testing</a>, including both automated and manual test cases, to ensure the feature works as expected under various scenarios.</li></ul></li></ul>



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<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Desk checking is a fundamental practice in the testing strategy of any software development project. It not only helps in identifying and fixing errors early but also promotes a deeper understanding of the code among team members. By adhering to best practices and being mindful of common pitfalls, teams can effectively leverage desk checking to enhance software quality and reduce development time and costs. As technology evolves, the principles of desk checking remain relevant, underscoring its importance in achieving high-quality software products.

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I am excited to announce the general availability of our newest product &#8211; Salesforce Test Automation by Testsigma.&nbsp;



This new product has been built on top of Testsigma’s GenAI-powered, low-code platform that has already been a game-changer for enterprises worldwide.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Transforming_Salesforce_Testing_with_Ease_and_Efficiency">1 Transforming Salesforce Testing with Ease and Efficiency</a></li><li><a href="#Unbreakable_Automation_Powered_by_Salesforce_Metadata_and_APIs">2 Unbreakable Automation, Powered by Salesforce Metadata and APIs</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Benefits_of_Testsigma8217s_Salesforce_Test_Automation">3 Key Benefits of Testsigma&#8217;s Salesforce Test Automation:</a></li><li><a href="#Join_Us_in_the_Next_Era_of_Test_Automation">4 Join Us in the Next Era of Test Automation</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-transforming-salesforce-testing-with-ease-and-efficiency">Transforming Salesforce Testing with Ease and Efficiency</h2>



At Testsigma, our mission has always been to simplify and accelerate the test automation process. With our latest Salesforce Test Automation solution, we are taking this mission to new heights. Built on top of Testsigma’s robust low-code test automation platform, this product empowers you to automate Salesforce testing up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.



Our platform’s core strength lies in its Natural Language Programming (NLP) engine, which allows users to write test cases in plain English, but while taking a structured programming approach. This means that anyone, regardless of their technical background, can effortlessly create, manage, and execute automated tests at speed and scale. No more complex coding or steep learning curves—just straightforward, intuitive test automation.



<h2 id="unbreakable-automation-powered-by-salesforce-metadata-and-apis">Unbreakable Automation, Powered by Salesforce Metadata and APIs</h2>



One of the standout features of Testsigma&#8217;s Salesforce Test Automation product is its resilience and reliability. Traditional test automation often suffers from brittle scripts that break with the slightest change in the application. To combat this, Testsigma leverages Salesforce metadata and APIs. This means, tests written on Testsigma are not only robust but also adaptive to changes within the Salesforce environment. This coupled with Testsigma’s AI-powered self-healing means your automated tests are reliable and require minimal maintenance, saving you time and resources.



<h2 id="key-benefits-of-testsigma-s-salesforce-test-automation">Key Benefits of Testsigma&#8217;s Salesforce Test Automation:</h2>



<ul><li>Speed: Accelerate your test automation process by 10X, allowing you to deliver high-quality applications faster.</li><li>Simplicity: Our NLP engine enables test creation in plain English, making test automation accessible to everyone in your team.</li><li>Robustness: By relying on Salesforce metadata and APIs, our automation scripts are unbreakable and adaptive to changes.</li><li>Scalability: Easily scale your test automation efforts to match your enterprise needs without worrying about the underlying complexity.</li></ul>



<h2 id="join-us-in-the-next-era-of-test-automation">Join Us in the Next Era of Test Automation</h2>



As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we invite you to experience the power and simplicity of Testsigma&#8217;s AI-powered. Whether you are a seasoned automation engineer or a business analyst with no coding experience, our solution is designed to meet your needs and help you achieve your automation goals swiftly and effectively.



We are incredibly excited about this launch and the potential it holds for transforming your Salesforce testing processes. To get started, visit our website and explore the new Salesforce Test Automation features, or reach out to our team for a personalized demo.



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I would also like to share with you that Testsigma has raised $8.2M in a new round of funding. This funding round was led by MassMutual Ventures and also saw participation from our existing investors &#8211; Accel Partners, STRIVE and Bold Cap.&nbsp;



I take this opportunity to welcome our new investors, customers and partners as we continue the groundbreaking innovation that we started this journey with.&nbsp;



It’s just day 1, and we are just getting started!

Exciting news: Salesforce Test Automation by Testsigma is here!

Europe&#8217;s premier testing conference, EuroSTAR 2024, is just around the corner.



A QA conference where over 1,000 testers and assurance professionals including global leaders and QA enthusiasts from across the globe, gather.



It&#8217;s an event you won&#8217;t want to miss!



EuroSTAR 2024 will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2024. Over four days from July 11 to 14, attendees can expect a packed learning schedule, hands-on testing, and valuable networking opportunities within the testing community, revolving around the theme, &#8220;What Are We Doing Here?&#8221;.



As Platinum Partners, we&#8217;re excited to connect with decision-makers and industry leaders right in the heart of the action. And, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to join us there.



Drop us an email to community@testsigma.com if you plan to attend!



And, if you haven&#8217;t already registered, now&#8217;s the perfect time (you can use our discount code ES-TST10)! Don&#8217;t miss out on the opportunity to explore intriguing topics and workshops, covering everything from testing roles and new skills to AI and large language models and more! Here’s the <a href="https://conference.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/conference/2024/programme/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">programme schedule</a>.



Team Testsigma is set to exhibit the latest developments with the QA community! We also have a cool set of newest launches and awesome upgrades all lined up and we can&#8217;t wait to preview them at the event!



If you are attending, be sure to swing by our booth and meet Piyush, Narain, Shreshtha, Kalyan, and KR. Let’s meet up, you can share your feedback, and challenges, and explore how Testsigma can revolutionize your testing journey.



Visit our booth to discover our newest launches, engage with our team, collect swags, and win some cool swag and this year’s <a href="https://forms.gle/8tR6JiWSec5VuD2W6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quality Champion Award</a>!



About Testsigma



Testsigma is an AI-driven, low-code test automation platform that enables QA teams to create, execute, maintain, and report automated tests 10X faster without any code and ship with confidence. It’s a unified platform to test:



<ul><li>Web Applications</li><li>iOS and Android Mobile Applications</li><li>Desktop Applications</li><li>Salesforce and packaged apps</li><li>APIs and Database</li></ul>



Don&#8217;t miss this chance to network with Testsigma at EuroSTAR 2024.



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Testsigma joins EuroSTAR Sweden 2024 Software Testing Conference￼￼

Career aspiration isn&#8217;t just a distant dream; it&#8217;s the compass guiding your professional journey, a vision for your future self. While goals are specific, like aiming for a promotion, aspirations are broader, reflecting your desire to make a lasting impact within your workplace.



 People who are in testing, many at times, do not have a computer related degree. Software Testing is also not taught in colleges except few chapters which comes as a part of Software Engineering Subject.



I was not aware about testing unless I got assigned to a testing team. It’s the same with many others who come to know about this role once they join the company.&nbsp;



Every role is important as it is responsible for the successful delivery of the project.



Constant learning is always needed whichever path you choose for yourself. With the way tech is changing / upgrading every few months with AI in picture now you will have to take baby steps to reach the goal.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Factors_that_can_help_you_in_deciding_your_aspiration">1 Factors that can help you in deciding your aspiration:</a></li><li><a href="#Non_Coding">2 Non Coding</a></li><li><a href="#Management_Roles">3 Management Roles</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="factors-that-can-help-you-in-deciding-your-aspiration">Factors that can help you in deciding your aspiration:</h2>



<ol><li>Understanding Your Strengths: Identify your areas of expertise within testing to leverage them effectively.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Interests: Determine what aspects of testing excite you the most – whether it&#8217;s <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a>, automation, development, product management, or team leadership.</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Find a mentor – A person who has taken a similar path can help you achieving your aspiration in a smoother way as they have seen the path and know about challenges or skills required to be there&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Know your option – Check the opportunities available at your organization to align yourself with those and check if the opportunities align with your aspirations. A company or vertical you are working in might not have a product manager role. So you would have to check with your manager / senior / mentor what way you can take. If the company does not have a career path as per your aspiration, you can create your own on paper.</li></ol>



<ol start="5"><li>Skills – Know the skills required once you are in that role so you can prepare for it and it does not come as a surprise with different expectation&nbsp;</li></ol>



Having a goal is not enough you would have to attach a plan with it and execute it consistently, so the baby steps align with the plan&nbsp;



To go to next level, you should start performing some stuff which is required to be done at that level. This way your path to reach that level becomes easier.



Many testers aspire to remain in Testing. For them, the role starts with being a tester and ends with being a principal consultant.



Tester → Senior Tester → Feature Test Lead → Project Test Lead → Principal Consultant



For those in companies with SDET roles, the progression may include SDET I, SDET II, SDET III, and so forth.



It&#8217;s crucial not to become complacent with a particular skillset; continuous learning and skill diversification are key to staying relevant.



The title and number of years of experience required may vary with each organization you are part of. Also, the path shown could include more or fewer roles. 



You must be working on your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skills as a tester</a> where you would be the expert of testing, automation and DevOps. With each level after certain years, you would become more like a generalist and think of a broader picture and long vision then focusing on the individual tools. You would be part of Architecture design.



Some other aspirations that are available for testers



SME – you can be an SME among the various options apart from <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functional testing</a> which include accessibility / security / performance / mobile / usability / ETL.&nbsp;



Architect – This could be one of the roles which is different that consultants. Here you design the architecture based on the product requirement deciding which all tech is required to make the system possible. Some companies even have Test Architect Role where you would be involved even in Pre Sales to provide estimates&nbsp;&nbsp;



SRE – This is also one of the areas where people move to. Site Reliability Engineering. There are less experts in this field and its all technical and exciting



DevOps – A project cannot run without DevOps tools. As it makes Continuous Integration&nbsp; / Continuous Delivery / Continuous Testing possible. Tools are one portion. DevOps is a mindset you should cultivate



Developer – Some testers are inclined towards development. So that option is always available. People who worked as a tester generally write better code as they always have the test running behind their mind whenever they are writing code&nbsp;



<h2 id="non-coding">Non Coding</h2>



In non-coding realms, testers have various avenues for career progression:



Scrum Master: This role focuses on enabling teams by removing obstacles in their path. It&#8217;s not just about facilitating Scrum calls but ensuring smooth workflow and collaboration.



Business Analyst: Transitioning to a Business Analyst role involves eliciting requirements from customers, translating them into EPICs, Features, and User Stories, and facilitating the development process. Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the product and customer needs are essential for success in this role.



<h2 id="management-roles">Management Roles</h2>



In management roles, testers have a plethora of opportunities for career advancement:



QA Manager: As a QA Manager, you <a href="https://www.adzuna.com/quality-assurance-manager/what-does-a-quality-assurance-manager-do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oversee the team</a> and leverage your expertise in QA to guide them towards quality assurance excellence. This role may vary in designation across organizations.



Project Manager: This role revolves around project delivery, where you lead a diverse team including developers, testers, business analysts, and DevOps professionals to ensure successful project completion.



Product Manager: Product Managers play a crucial role in product-based organizations, developing a vision and roadmap for the product. They utilize customer feedback to drive <a href="https://theproductmanager.com/topics/feature-prioritization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feature prioritization</a> and development.



Testing Coach / Mentors / Independent Consultants / Freelancers: Opportunities abound in coaching, mentoring, consultancy, and freelance roles, especially with the proliferation of tools like Topmate. Many professionals in this space offer courses on various topics, catering to the growing demand for expertise.



YouTuber: The realm of online education offers avenues for testers to share their knowledge and expertise. Many successful YouTubers focus on teaching automation tools and testing methodologies, contributing to the broader testing community.



Internal mobility within organizations often presents easier opportunities for role transitions than external job switches. By communicating your aspirations with your manager, you may gain access to resources and support to facilitate your career growth.



At the executive level, leadership and managerial skills take precedence, alongside a broad understanding of technology. Executives are involved in decision-making, policy formulation, and customer engagement, shaping the strategic direction of the company.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In conclusion, the field of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> offers a myriad of avenues for career growth, ranging from technical expertise to managerial leadership. Whether aspiring to excel in testing methodologies, transition to management roles, or explore opportunities in coaching, consultancy, or online education, testers have ample pathways to realize their professional aspirations.



By embracing continuous learning, proactively seeking mentorship, and communicating aspirations with management, testers can chart a fulfilling career trajectory in the dynamic landscape of software testing.



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