I told a rival that I don't use the term "manual testing" and that I prefer the term "sapient testing" because it's more to the point. This is evident in the first definition of the word "manual" in … [Read more...] about Sapience and Blowing Peoples’ Minds
Context-Driven Testing
Reclaim Your Personal Method
(Since this pertains to both self-education AND technical work, I'm posting this on both of my blogs) Randy Ingermanson has an interesting approach to writing fiction. It's called the Snowflake … [Read more...] about Reclaim Your Personal Method
The Great Implication of Context-Driven Methodology
Sometimes I hear people react to context-driven methodology with a shrug. "Yeah, everything depends on context. So what?" Here's the so what: If all practice depends upon context, then the competent … [Read more...] about The Great Implication of Context-Driven Methodology
Schools of Testing… Here to Stay.
The world of testing is divided into camps. Those camps argue with each other, sometimes. Mostly they ignore each other. These camps are like religions of software testing. They are determined and … [Read more...] about Schools of Testing… Here to Stay.
Conscientious Uncertification
I'm thinking of having badges made which say "Conscientiously Uncertified." It's for those of us who want to resist the dumbing down of our craft by cynical consultants promoting bogus tester … [Read more...] about Conscientious Uncertification
What if Software Development isn’t Golf?
Jason Gorman uses a golf analogy to talk about estimation. I like his analogy, but he didn't take it far enough for me. He left out a key element: we may not be playing golf. A typical sin committed … [Read more...] about What if Software Development isn’t Golf?
Methodology Debates: Traps and Transformations
(This article is adapted from work I did with Johanna Rothman, at the 1st Amplifying Your Effectiveness conference. It's never been widely published, so here you go.) As a context-driven testing … [Read more...] about Methodology Debates: Traps and Transformations
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
Context-Driven Methodology
Today I am writing about the Context-Driven school of software testing. This is a community that initially coalesced around Cem Kaner's Los Altos Workshops on Software Testing (the LAWST meetings), in … [Read more...] about Context-Driven Methodology