Testing the Base Class Library [Lakshan Fernando]

The test role at Microsoft generally and in the BCL team specifically is somewhat different from a traditional test position in the software industry. We release software for developers and the test team considers themselves as frontline developers that get to try out a new feature first with the ability to directly influence the design and the implementation with our feedback. Of course, our involvement in a feature goes much further than just at testing time, BCL testers are involved heavily in planning, designing, implementation and closeout phase of a feature to make sure every feature meets customer needs and the quality bar.

The testing in the BCL team focuses strongly on an API based approach but we also pay close attention to end user scenarios to figure out whether our new features have everything that they need and easy to use. In addition, we test security, performance, globalization and many other areas related to the feature that we fondly call as ‘perpendicular’ features. Microsoft recognizes the developer focus skills associated with the job and the official title of a tester at the company is ‘Software Development Engineer in Test’ or as we are collectively called, SDETs.

Are you interested in testing the next set of BCL features? Come join our team, we have an opening. You can find out more information about our team by visiting our team site here. You can find more information about the opening by clicking here and can send your resume directly to me or to the HR from the web page if you are interested.