devlk
Log in Sign up
c/careers u/devlk Team

How do I move from QA to a software developer role?

Team FAQ: this question comes up often, so we've answered it below. Add your own experience, or a different view, in the comments.

Many developers start in quality assurance. What's the best way to make the switch?

1
1 comment
Sort by: Best Top New Old
devlk Team·

QA is a good starting point. You already understand how software breaks. Make the move deliberate.

  1. Move into test automation first if you're in manual QA. Writing automated tests (with Playwright, Selenium, Cypress or the testing tools in your company's stack) means writing real code every day.
  2. Learn your company's main stack and read the codebase. Understanding how features are built makes you more useful immediately.
  3. Ask to fix small bugs you find, with a developer reviewing your changes. It builds a track record inside the company.
  4. Tell your manager your goal clearly and ask what an internal move would require. Internal transfers are often easier than external applications, because people already trust you.
  5. Build one or two projects in the stack you want to work in, for your CV.

In interviews, frame your QA background as a strength: you think about edge cases, testing and quality, which many developers don't do well.

See junior to senior developer for what's expected as you grow.

1