What does a test developer do?
The job of a Test Developer is to write the codes for and implement the programs that automatically test software for any bugs whatsoever. He/She uses QC to track bugs and create reports and designs, as well as implements javascript validations. At the same time, as a test developer, you will be required to implement several design patterns and API to facilitate performance for the standardization of codes. In essence, as a Test Developer, you will be responsible for running tests on all production units to ensure a high-quality product and to check for defects that require change.
Test developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real test developer resumes:
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Develop keyword and data-driven framework using Java for automate test scripts.
- Design and develop UNIX scripts and used AUTOSYS for job scheduling.
- Insert GUI, bitmap and text checkpoints in QTP script for validations.
- Automate running of batch processes that involve UNIX command and shell script execution.
- Implement API and various design patterns to improve the performance to standardize the code.
- Implement basic DDL and DML commands as well as exporting and importing data from XML.
- Design an app that utilizes weather API to recommend appropriate clothing base on time and conditions.
- Create all game components including application library, music and sound modules, instant touch response and UI.
- Create a base set of Perl modules to communicate with databases, make remote system calls, and do XML exchange.
- Develop QA lab calibration program to include entire plant equipment calibrations and scheduling, to maintain plant compliance at all times.
- Design and implement Java scripts validations.
- Develop QA processes for Medicare/Medicaid staff and assist with the implementation.
- Develop an automation test framework which involves GUI actions and data verification to supplement manual testing.
- Participate in hiring processes, process improvement, deliverable estimation, architecture, planning, development and client staff technical training/mentoring.
Test developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Test Developers are proficient in Python, Java, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Test Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 8%
Used Lettuce, Python and Selenium to write human readable test cases.
- Java, 8%
Developed reusable methods using Java as a part of Selenium Automation Framework.
- C++, 5%
Develop an automated test plan for specific product specifications in C++ on an Eclipse IDE.
- C #, 5%
Designed/maintained automation using in-house C # automation library.
- Scrum, 4%
Attended daily scrum meetings where Product owners describes the work that be accepted or not, point out the release dates.
- Test Scripts, 4%
Developed manual UI test scripts of wireless controlled medical devices from functional specifications.
Most test developers use their skills in "python," "java," and "c++" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential test developer responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a test developer to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Additionally, a test developer resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "created and executed detail functions test scripts based on the mapping design documents. "
Problem-solving skills. Another essential skill to perform test developer duties is problem-solving skills. Test developers responsibilities require that "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Test developers also use problem-solving skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "implemented integration of web-service centric descartes parcel manifest solution by writing new code and policies to mold data in xml format. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for test developers to perform their duties. For an example of how test developer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a test developer: "created a base set of perl modules to communicate with databases, make remote system calls, and do xml exchange. ".
Communication skills. test developer responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." This resume example shows what test developers do with communication skills on a typical day: "work and time management and client communication preparation, reviewing and execution of test cases. "
Creativity. Another common skill required for test developer responsibilities is "creativity." This skill comes up in the duties of test developers all the time, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." An excerpt from a real test developer resume shows how this skill is central to what a test developer does: "automated the location's inventory system using jira as the primary source of data storage. "
The three companies that hire the most test developers are:
- Expeditors6 test developers jobs
- ManTech6 test developers jobs
- First Bancorp3 test developers jobs
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Test developer vs. Developer/consultant
A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, test developer responsibilities require skills like "c #," "scrum," "test scripts," and "jira." Meanwhile a typical developer/consultant has skills in areas such as "project management," "hr," "microservices," and "mvc." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Developer/consultants tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $101,340. In contrast, test developers make the biggest average salary, $95,526, in the automotive industry.The education levels that developer/consultants earn slightly differ from test developers. In particular, developer/consultants are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a test developer. Additionally, they're 2.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Test developer vs. Mobile applications developer
A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that test developer responsibilities requires skills like "python," "test scripts," "selenium webdriver," and "test results." But a mobile applications developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "mobile development," "react native," "application development," and "objective-c."
Mobile applications developers may earn a higher salary than test developers, but mobile applications developers earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $107,574. On the other hand, test developers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,526.mobile applications developers earn similar levels of education than test developers in general. They're 2.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for test developers in the next 3-5 years?
Test developer vs. Developer analyst
A developer analyst is an individual who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements. They work with other teams to design and implement a web application that manages internal processes and can result in increased productivity. Developer analysts are also required to perform integration tests for various vendors for services that are according to business requirements and testing processes.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a test developer is likely to be skilled in "python," "c #," "scrum," and "jira," while a typical developer analyst is skilled in "architecture," "data analysis," "web services," and "sharepoint."
Developer analysts make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $99,277. On the other hand, test developers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $95,526.When it comes to education, developer analysts tend to earn similar degree levels compared to test developers. In fact, they're 3.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Test developer vs. Applications developer
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between test developers and applications developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a test developer might have more use for skills like "python," "c #," "test scripts," and "selenium webdriver." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of applications developers require skills like "qa," "database," "application development," and "web services. "
The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for applications developers, with average annual pay of $103,905. Comparatively, the highest test developer annual salary comes from the automotive industry.In general, applications developers hold similar degree levels compared to test developers. Applications developers are 2.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of test developer
Updated January 8, 2025











