Yes, a software tester would benefit from having programming knowledge. Having programming skills can enhance a tester's ability to understand the codebase, analyze code changes, and write automated tests. Testers with programming knowledge can also effectively communicate with developers about issues and provide suggestions for improvement.

It is not essential for a tester to be an expert programmer, but having a basic understanding of programming concepts and being able to write simple code is advantageous. Knowing programming languages like Java, Python, or C# can help testers write automated tests and interpret testing results. 

Join Us For : Software Testing Course in Chennai

Overall, while it is not mandatory for software testers to be proficient in programming, having programming knowledge can greatly enhance their skills and make them more effective in their role.