Do testers have to code... to be useful?

1. The document discusses whether testers need to code to be useful on agile teams. While many job ads ask for coding skills, the authors argue that specialized testing skills are more important. 2. Testers add unique value through skills like exploratory testing, rather than coding. Technical awareness is important for communication, but testers don't need to be coders. 3. The document recommends testers focus on skills like eliciting examples from customers and turning them into tests. Thinking skills are also valuable for collaboration and contributing to the team.