Understanding Quality Assurance in Scrum

Quality assurance (QA) is a critical aspect of software development, ensuring that the product meets the necessary standards and performs as expected. Developers with special QA skills play an essential role in integrating testing and quality practices throughout the development process.

Exam Question

What would a Developer member with special quality assurance skills not do?
(choose the best answer)
A. Identify tools and techniques to be used in testing the product.
B. Define acceptance criteria for features.
C. Create a plan for testing the application.
D. Delay test activities until a feature has been coded.

Correct Answer

D. Delay test activities until a feature has been coded.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D. Delay test activities until a feature has been coded:
Developers with special QA skills understand the importance of early and continuous testing. Delaying testing activities until after coding is completed is contrary to best practices in quality assurance. Effective QA involves integrating testing throughout the development process, which helps in identifying and addressing issues early, thereby maintaining a high standard of quality.

Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate

A. Identify tools and techniques to be used in testing the product:
QA-skilled Developers are often involved in selecting the right tools and techniques for testing to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective testing processes. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining product quality.

B. Define acceptance criteria for features:
Defining clear acceptance criteria is essential for ensuring that features meet the expected quality and functionality. Developers with QA skills contribute to setting these criteria, which are vital for validating that the product meets user requirements.

C. Create a plan for testing the application:
Creating a test plan is a standard QA activity that outlines the approach, scope, and strategies for testing the product. This plan ensures that all aspects of the application are tested systematically and thoroughly.

Relevance to the PSD Exam

Understanding the role of a Developer with QA skills is vital for the PSD exam, as it highlights the importance of integrating quality assurance throughout the development process rather than postponing it until after coding.

Key Takeaways

• Early and Continuous Testing: Ensuring that testing is integrated throughout the development process helps catch issues early and maintain product quality.
• Proactive QA Practices: Developers with QA skills play a critical role in selecting testing tools, defining acceptance criteria, and planning testing activities.

Conclusion

Developers with special quality assurance skills are key to maintaining software quality by ensuring that testing is a continuous process integrated throughout the development cycle. Delaying testing until after coding can lead to undetected issues and lower quality outcomes. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.