Data Structures and Algorithms hold immense significance when it comes to efficient execution of a software development lifecycle. The role of Software Development/Design Engineer in Test (SDET) is a rapidly blooming position within the tech industry. They are quite often held to be same as manual testers; however, technically speaking, this is not true. Software Testing Training is definitely one of the core job responsibilities of a SDET; however, they happen to embody multiple skills and as such is involved in the development, designing, automation, as well as testing activities of the software lifecycle.
2. Data Structures and Algorithms hold immense significance when it comes to efficient execution of a software development lifecycle. The role of
Software Development/Design Engineer in Test (SDET) is a rapidly blooming position within the tech industry. They are quite often held to be same
as manual testers; however, technically speaking, this is not true. Software Testing Training is definitely one of the core job responsibilities of a
SDET; however, they happen to embody multiple skills and as such is involved in the development, designing, automation, as well as testing
activities of the software lifecycle.
In this blog, we will be looking at the way in which Data Structures and Algorithms are useful for SDETs. Given the fact that Data Structures and
Algorithms happen to be the foundational stones of software development; SDETs are quite directly associated with the handling and management
of these entities.
3. What is SDET?
What are Data Structures and Algorithms?
Types of Data Structures and Algorithms
How are Data Structures and Algorithms useful for SDETs
Conclusion
What is SDET?
SDET stands for Software Development/Design Engineer in Test. SDETs remain engaged, both in the development as well as testing of the
software. These are professionals who are skilled in Software Development as well as Quality Engineering. They not only participate in
developing and writing test scripts, but SDET testing also helps in fixing bugs as part of the process.
4. What are Data Structures and Algorithms?
Data Structure is a way of organizing data. Sequences of numbers and data tables are instances of Data Structures. It refers to a system of data
management, organization and storage format which provides for easy access to data. This helps in efficient organization of data, which can be
extracted at any time.
Algorithm can be seen as an instructional guideline which lays down commands in a sequential manner, to be executed in order to get a desired
output. Algorithm can be understood as a linkage between inputs, procedure and outputs. If Data Structures are static entities, Algorithms are
dynamic processes which interact with them in order to produce desired results.
5. Types of Data Structures and Algorithms
Some of the common types of Data Structures across different programming
languages are:
Primitive
Integer
Float
Character
Boolean
Data Type Domain Operations
Integer -maxint to +maxint _, +, ==,=,<>,<, etc.
Char ASCII =, <>, <, etc.
boolean 0,1 and, or, =, etc.
7. Some common types of algorithms are:
Binary Search
Depth First Search and Breadth First Search
Merge Sort
Quick Sort
Insertion Sort
Dynamic Programming
Graph/Tree Traversing
Hashing and Regex
How are Data Structures and Algorithms useful for SDETs
SDETs are actively involved in software development. This professional responsibility is impossible to be accomplished without a thorough
understanding of Data Structures and Algorithms.
8. Such knowledge is crucial for fixing bugs in codes developed by developers as well as in undertaking review of codes. Moreover, SDETs are
responsible for conducting tests as well.
However, they go beyond Manual Testing and seek to automate scenarios for seamless execution of Automation Testing. This involves building
of advanced systems which can help in extracting bugs. Such an act is not possible to be carried out without an understanding of Data
Structures and Algorithms.
Knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms is also important, from the viewpoint of SDET interview. SDET aspirants might face questions
wherein the interviewee asks them to find unique chars in string, duplicates from array or to reverse a string. All this would entail the need
to have an in-depth knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms. This is all the more important because as a SDET aspirant, you will be
expected to come up with multiple approaches to solve a given problem. You may not eventually be able to solve the problem; however, it is
important to show your resilience in terms of coming up with new ways for doing the same.
9. Conclusion
It is evident that Data Structures and Algorithms are of considerable utility to a SDET. Knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms, only help
in adding a competitive edge to your Software Testing Course resume. When faced with questions such as those which ask you to check
whether a string has balanced parentheses; you will be required to depict much more than your knowledge of coding constructs. You will be
required to showcase your understanding of using the appropriate Data Structure for solving the issue.