Concise, universal heuristics and models for instant test design

How to tackle any product or product idea instantly

How to analyze a test heuristic or practice

How to test despite ambiguous or missing specifications

How to deal with overwhelming complexity or confusion

How to know when to stop or suspend the test process

How to prepare and deliver an impromptu test report

In this class we test real software, under time pressure. You will practice cutting applications down to size with rapid idea generation techniques. You will practice critical reasoning on your feet, by yourself and in small teams.

James Bach originally developed this class from his own experiences at Apple Computer, Microsoft, Borland, and several software testing companies. This is the best of West Coast software testing practice. The methods presented are not hearsay, but represent what we do on a daily basis, on real test projects. The class is taught only by the people who own and author the material, so you are getting first hand knowledge.

The ideas in this class are drawn not only from experience, but are also grounded in epistemology, cognitive psychology, decision theory, and other fields. Testing is a far more interesting field than most people realize. We're at the crossroads of many other traditions.

The original motivation for all this was James' personal quest to be a truly expert software tester. It is an ongoing journey, and this class represents the best our community has to show for it, at any given moment. Our goal with the class is to propel each student forward on his or her own quest for expertise and self-confidence.

The ideal student is anyone who feels driven to be an excellent software tester or software test manager.

The class is useful to all levels of tester, but seems to be most appreciated by experienced testers who want to become expert testers. The class works well when strong-minded and skeptical students attend the class. They challenge the instructor and make the class better, just like testers should. We try to make the class the most stimulating intellectual experience you can handle.

Another ideal student is the tester whose job is to check the work done by offshore outsourcing firms. You don't have time to do a full-blown test project. So, learn how to make a brief test project work.

Here are the slides and notes for the class. These do not include the exercises, though, which are really the heart of the class.