In opposition to my idea that software testing should be a role, and not just a task, I am sometimes told that True Agile does not permit this. Why? Because, in Agile, "quality is everyone's … [Read more...] about Everyone is NOT Responsible for Quality
Agile Methodology
34 Years in Testing
This past Friday, May 21st, 2021, was exactly 34 years since my first day at Apple Computer as a tester. Before that I was a dev, but I have been a tester ever since. This has put me in a … [Read more...] about 34 Years in Testing
The Immaturity of CMM
Originally published in 1994, this article pre-dates "Agile" as a named thing. It was written out of a culture that was critiquing authoritarian and factory-oriented approaches to software … [Read more...] about The Immaturity of CMM
Round Earth Test Strategy
The "test automation pyramid" (for examples, see here, here, and here) is a popular idea, but I see serious problems with it. I suggest in this article an alternative way of thinking that preserves … [Read more...] about Round Earth Test Strategy
Agile Testing Heuristic: The Power of Looking
Today I broke my fast with a testing exercise from a colleague. (Note: I better not tell you what it is or even who gave it to me, because after you read this it will be spoiled for you, whereas if … [Read more...] about Agile Testing Heuristic: The Power of Looking
Test Jumpers: One Vision of Agile Testing
Many software companies, these days, are organized around a number of small Agile teams. These teams may be working on different projects or parts of the same project. I have often toured such … [Read more...] about Test Jumpers: One Vision of Agile Testing
Mr. Langella Never Does it the Same Way Twice
This is from the New York Times: Its other hallmark is that Mr. Langella never does the part the same way twice. This is partly because he’s still in the process of discovering the character and … [Read more...] about Mr. Langella Never Does it the Same Way Twice
Programmer Pairing with a Tester
My sister, Erica, is not a programmer. Normally she's not a tester, either. But recently she paired with me, playing a tester role, and spotted bugs while I wrote in Perl. In the process, it became … [Read more...] about Programmer Pairing with a Tester
A Tester’s Commitments
This is the latest version of the commitments I make when I work with a programmer. Dear Programmer, My job is to help you look good. My job is to support you as you create quality; to ease … [Read more...] about A Tester’s Commitments
Behavior-Driven Development vs. Testing
The difference between Behavior-Driven Development and testing: This is a BDD scenario (from Dan North, a man I respect and admire): +Scenario 1: Account is in credit+ Given the account is in … [Read more...] about Behavior-Driven Development vs. Testing