When I first started in QA, I didn’t know much about coding. Like many in the field, I focused on manually executing test cases, finding bugs, and reporting them. But over the years, I realized something critical: to truly advance in QA, learning to code isn’t just a nice-to-have skill—it’s a game-changer.
Let me share why coding is such an essential skill for modern QA engineers and why the idea of “manual QA” is becoming a thing of the past.
The Evolving Role of QA Engineers
In the past, QA was often seen as a separate entity—the “last line of defense” before the software went live. Testers were expected to find bugs in features that were already built, rather than contributing to their creation. Today, though, QA is much more integrated into the development process.
As agile and DevOps practices became more common, testing shifted to earlier in the cycle. Teams needed QA engineers who could automate tests, analyze data, and write scripts—things that were once outside the traditional manual testing role. That’s where learning to code comes in.
Why Learning to Code Is Crucial for QA
- Automated Testing is the Future
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in QA is the move toward automation. Manual testing still has its place, but automated tests help teams keep up with faster release cycles. When I first started learning automation frameworks like Selenium and Playwright, it felt like a steep hill to climb. But once I got the hang of it, I was able to automate repetitive tests, saving hours of manual work. This not only made our testing process faster but also allowed us to focus on more complex scenarios. - Enhancing Your Test Coverage
Coding enables you to write better, more robust test cases. Instead of manually testing every edge case, you can build comprehensive test suites that run automatically every time there’s a new release. With code, the possibilities for expanding your test coverage are endless. - Becoming a Better Collaborator
In today’s world, developers and testers need to be on the same page. When I started writing code, I found it easier to communicate with developers about issues in the code. I was able to suggest improvements and even write unit tests alongside them. Having coding knowledge helps you understand how the software is built, and in turn, makes you a better tester and collaborator. - Adapting to New Tools and Technologies
The tech world moves fast, and new tools emerge constantly. A few years ago, I had no idea what tools like Docker, Jenkins, or Octopus were, but now I use them regularly. Understanding coding helps you learn these tools quickly because many rely on scripting and automation to function. The more you know about coding, the easier it is to adapt to new technologies in the QA space.
Breaking the Myth of ‘Manual QA’
A common misconception I hear is that “manual QA” is the only role for non-developers. Some still view manual testing as the default for anyone without programming skills. But the truth is that QA is evolving, and the demand for engineers who can write code and automate tests is growing.
While manual testing will never fully disappear, the emphasis has shifted. The industry is calling for engineers who are comfortable with tools like Python, JavaScript, or Java—not just the ones who can click through interfaces.
How to Get Started with Coding as a QA Engineer
- Choose a Language
Start by picking a programming language that aligns with your team’s tech stack. If your team uses JavaScript, try learning Node.js. If your application is built with Java, try Java or Kotlin. Python is also a great choice due to its simplicity and versatility in automation testing. - Start Small
Begin by writing simple scripts to automate tasks. For instance, I started with automating basic data validation checks before moving to more complex UI and API tests. You don’t have to write complex frameworks right away—just get comfortable with the basics. - Explore Test Automation Frameworks
Once you’re comfortable with coding basics, dive into automation frameworks. Playwright, Selenium, and Cypress are great options to start with, depending on your language of choice. Learn how to write and execute automated tests to cover repetitive tasks. - Learn Version Control
Tools like Git are essential for collaboration in modern development teams. Understanding version control will make it easier to collaborate with your developers and manage changes in your test code. - Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to get better at coding is by actually doing it. Find opportunities to automate your current testing tasks and gradually take on more complex projects. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
If you’re a QA engineer who has been putting off learning to code, I encourage you to take the leap. It’s not just about keeping up with trends—it’s about becoming a more versatile, valuable member of your team. The role of QA is changing, and with coding skills, you can stay ahead of the curve and deliver more value in every stage of the SDLC.
Remember, QA isn’t just about testing software. It’s about building quality into the product from the ground up. And coding gives you the tools to do that more effectively than ever before.
What are your thoughts on learning to code as a QA engineer? Have you taken the plunge, or are you thinking about it? Let me know in the comments!