In one of my classes, I start things off by challenging the students to "make a diagram of testing." Some people make complicated pictures, some make simple ones. Some are literal, some are … [Read more...] about Let’s Encourage Live Thinking
For Newbies
Six Things That Go Wrong With Discussions About Testing
Talking about software testing is not easy. It’s not natural! Testing is a “meta” activity. It’s not just a task, but a task that generates new tasks (by finding bugs that should be fixed or finding … [Read more...] about Six Things That Go Wrong With Discussions About Testing
We. Use. Tools.
Context-Driven testers use tools to help ourselves test better. But, there is no such thing as test automation. Want details? Here's the 10,000 word explanation that Michael Bolton and I have been … [Read more...] about We. Use. Tools.
TestInsane’s Mindmaps Are Crazy Cool
Most testing companies offer nothing to the community or the field of testing. They all seem to say they hire only the best experts, but only a very few of them are willing to back that up with … [Read more...] about TestInsane’s Mindmaps Are Crazy Cool
A Test is a Performance
Testing is a performance, not an artifact. Artifacts may be produced before, during, or after the act of testing. Whatever they are, they are not tests. They may be test instructions, test results, … [Read more...] about A Test is a Performance
Finding Your Own Integrity
I have a belief that I'm not going to justify-- I'm simply going to say it and challenge you to look into your own experience and your own heart and see the truth of it for yourself: Your sense of … [Read more...] about Finding Your Own Integrity
To The New Tester
About once a week, I get an email like one of these: Hi James, I’m from Hyderabad, India. I’m working as a Testing Engineer and doing Manual Testing from the Last 1 Year. I want to know what are … [Read more...] about To The New Tester
A Public Service Announcement About Exploratory Testing
[Updated: I revamped and added some more examples to the list.] I got this message from Oliver Vilson, today: Oliver V.: hi James. Just had a chat with Helena_JM. She reminded me something... don't … [Read more...] about A Public Service Announcement About Exploratory Testing
Seven Kinds of Testers
Most of my work is teaching, coaching, and evaluating testers. But as a humanist, I want to apply the Diversity Heuristic: our differences can make us a stronger team. That means I can't pick one … [Read more...] about Seven Kinds of Testers
Bharani Asks About Daily Practice
Bharani from India is a novice tester who appears to have a lot of energy. She recently emailed me this: Sir, I need one small tips. As a, new tester how should they improve to became sharp and … [Read more...] about Bharani Asks About Daily Practice