🧭 SDET Roadmap for Beginners: How to Start a Career in Testing + Coding

shiddhodhan kokateshiddhodhan kokate
2 min read

Want a job in tech but don’t know where to start? 🤔
SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a great role if you enjoy problem-solving, quality, and a mix of coding + testing.

Here’s a beginner-friendly roadmap to help you understand and get started! 💼💻

👨‍💻 What is an SDET?

An SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is someone who:

  • ✅ Writes code to test software automatically

  • ✅ Makes sure apps/websites are working perfectly

  • ✅ Knows a bit of programming, testing, and tools used by developers

  • ✅ Helps catch bugs before users face them 🐞

🧭 SDET Roadmap (Step-by-Step)

🔹 1. Learn a Programming Language

Start with one easy language. Most popular:

  • Java ☕

  • Python 🐍

  • JavaScript 🌐

Learn:

  • Basics (variables, loops, conditions)

  • OOP (Object-Oriented Programming)

🧠 Tip: Free tutorials on YouTube or platforms like Udemy, GeeksforGeeks, W3Schools, etc.

🔹 2. Understand Software Testing Basics

You need to know what testing is!
Learn about:

  • 📦 What is a bug?

  • 🧪 Types of testing (manual, automation)

  • 🔄 Software development life cycle (SDLC)

🔹 3. Try Manual Testing First 📝

Before you automate, try testing software manually.
You’ll learn:

  • Writing test cases

  • Finding and reporting bugs

  • Tools like Jira for bug tracking

🔹 4. Move to Automation Testing 🤖

Now, start writing code that tests automatically!

Learn:

  • 🧪 Selenium – to test web apps

  • 🧪 Postman – to test APIs

  • 🧪 JUnit/TestNG – to run test scripts

🔹 5. Build a Testing Framework 🛠️

Once you’re confident, build your own test framework:

  • Use Page Object Model (POM)

  • Add logging & reports

  • Make it reusable

🔹 6. Learn Tools Developers Use 🧰

To work like a pro SDET, learn:

  • Git (track code changes)

  • Jenkins/GitHub Actions (run tests automatically)

  • SQL (to test data from databases)

🔹 7. Optional: Explore More!

Once you’re ready, try:

  • 🚀 Performance Testing (JMeter)

  • 🔒 Security Testing (OWASP ZAP)

🧩 Summary Table

StepWhat You Learn
1️⃣Basic Coding (Java, Python)
2️⃣Testing Concepts
3️⃣Manual Testing
4️⃣Automation (Selenium, Postman)
5️⃣Build Framework
6️⃣Dev Tools (Git, Jenkins, SQL)
7️⃣Advanced: Security/Performance

💡 Final Tips

  • Start small. Practice every day 💪

  • Build sample projects and upload to GitHub

  • Join QA communities online

  • Don’t rush. SDET is a high-growth career with many job openings!

1
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from shiddhodhan kokate directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

sdetTestingDevopsDeveloperautomation

Written by

shiddhodhan kokate
shiddhodhan kokate

I am a Quality Engineering Analyst at Infosys, with expertise in both manual and automated testing, including tools like Selenium, BDD (Cucumber), ALM, Jira, and QTest. I specialize in designing and executing test strategies, identifying defects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality software solutions. With domain experience in E-commerce, Finance & Logistics and Telecom, I bring valuable business insight that helps align testing efforts with real-world requirements. My focus is on precision, quality, and enhancing user experience through rigorous testing practices. I thrive in collaborative, agile environments and remain committed to continuous learning and adapting to evolving technologies. Reach out to me at shiddhodhankokate4@gmail.com