I've been reading a bit about the Technological Singularity. It's an interesting and chilling idea conceived by people who aren't testers. It goes like this: the progress of technology is increasing … [Read more...] about The Future Will Need Us to Reboot It
Testing Culture
Confused Methodology Talk #1
This posting by Corey Goldberg illustrates an interesting and all too common kind of confusion people get into when discussing methods and practices. It's worth pondering. On SQAForums, someone … [Read more...] about Confused Methodology Talk #1
Philosophers of Testing
Do you know what a philosopher is? I think a philosopher is someone who develops philosophy, as opposed to someone who accepts philosophy strictly ready-made from a trusted authority. By philosophy I … [Read more...] about Philosophers of Testing
Online Test Coaching and Collaboration
I've been watching television commercials about the amazing new world of technology since about 1997. You know the ones: people accessing the web on their phones, doctors diagnosing patients from … [Read more...] about Online Test Coaching and Collaboration
How to Ask (and Not Ask) for Free Consulting
Strangers contact me on a regular basis, asking questions about testing. I don't mind answering questions. In fact, until the day I get paid for answering questions, it will remain one of my favorite … [Read more...] about How to Ask (and Not Ask) for Free Consulting
Could the Military Be Waking Up?
Ever since I got into the testing field, almost 20 years ago, it's been a truism that military software development is moribund. It's not that they love process, it's that they love bad process. … [Read more...] about Could the Military Be Waking Up?
Question: How do you stay sharp as a tester?
Shrini writes: How does a good tester keep his testing abilities sharpened all the times. compare it with keep our body fit as we grow old ( walking, jogging and going to Gym, eating healthyfood etc) … [Read more...] about Question: How do you stay sharp as a tester?
Transpective Dialogs for Learning
One of the techniques I use for my own technical education is to ask someone a question or present them with a problem, then think through the same issue while listening to them work it out. As it … [Read more...] about Transpective Dialogs for Learning
Question: Tester’s Freedom of Thought
Subha asks: A tester is usually bound by the constraints of specifications when he does functional testing. But what about usability? How much should the tester's imagination be allowed to … [Read more...] about Question: Tester’s Freedom of Thought
Sometimes it Gets Personal
Recently, a colleague of mine felt stung by something I said in an argument. He complained that I was making an "ad hominem" argument. I want to clarify this issue, because it's a common mistake: what … [Read more...] about Sometimes it Gets Personal