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.
Important!
Exploratory Testing 3.0
[Authors' note: Others have already made the point we make here: that exploratory testing ought to be called testing. In fact, Michael said that about tests in 2009, and James wrote a blog post in … [Read more...] about Exploratory Testing 3.0
How Not to Standardize Testing (ISO 29119)
Many years ago I took a management class. One of the exercises we did was on achieving consensus. My group did not reach an agreement because I wouldn't lower my standards. I wanted to discuss the … [Read more...] about How Not to Standardize Testing (ISO 29119)
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
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
Testing and Checking Refined
This post is co-authored with Michael Bolton. We have spent hours arguing about nearly every sentence. We also thank Iain McCowatt for his rapid review and comments. Testing and tool use are two … [Read more...] about Testing and Checking Refined
Thoughts Toward The Ethics of Testing
I am thinking and talking a lot about ethics, lately. Maybe that's because Context-Driven testing is getting better traction, now. More testers are approaching me, asking for guidance. More testers … [Read more...] about Thoughts Toward The Ethics of Testing
Immaturity of Maturity Models
Maturities models (TMMi, CMM, CMMi, etc.) are a dumb idea. They are evidence of immaturity in our craft. Insecure managers sometimes cling to them as they might a treasured baby blanket. In so doing, … [Read more...] about Immaturity of Maturity Models
Quality is Dead #1: The Hypothesis
Quality is dead in computing. Been dead a while, but like some tech'd up version of Weekend at Bernie's, software purveyors are dressing up its corpse to make us believe computers can bring us joy and … [Read more...] about Quality is Dead #1: The Hypothesis