What is the goal of a software tester?

The goal of a Software Tester is to find bugs, and find them as early as possible and make sure they get fixed.

Eight Basic Principles of Testing

- Define the expected output or result.
- Don't test your own programs.
- Inspect the results of each test completely.
- Include test cases for invalid or unexpected conditions.
- Test the program to see if it does what it is not supposed to do as well as what it
is supposed to do.
- Avoid disposable test cases unless the program itself is disposable.
- Do not plan tests assuming that no errors will be found.

Best Testing Practices to be followed during testing

- Testing and evaluation responsibility is given to every member, so as to generate
team responsibility among all.
- Develop Master Test Plan so that resource and responsibilities are understood and
assigned as early in the project as possible.
- Systematic evaluation and preliminary test design are established as a part of all
system engineering and specification work.
- Testing is used to verify that all project deliverables and components are
complete, and to demonstrate and track true project progress.
- Risk prioritized list of test requirements and objectives (such as requirements-
based, design-based, etc) are developed and maintained.
- Conduct Reviews as early and as often as possible to provide developer feedback
and get problems found and fixed as they occur.