Synopses & Reviews
Partial ContentsDoes Testing Test You?Challenge #10: Getting Trained in TestingRaise Management Awareness of Testing - Make Time for Training - Develop Your Own Skills - Certify Your Testing SkillsChallenge #9: Building Relationships with DevelopersAdopt a Win-Win Approach - Widen Your View of Testing - Move from "Us versus Them" to "Us and Them"Challenge #8: Testing Without ToolsEducate Management on the Use of Test Tools - Perform a Tool Survey - Define Your Requirements - Perform a Cost/Benefit Analysis - Integrate Test Tools with an Effective Testing ProcessChallenge #7: Explaining Testing to ManagersIdentify the Stakeholders at the Management Level - Network with Other Organizations to Learn How They Deal with Management - Establish a Testing Charter to Define the Purpose of Testing in Your Organization - Define Measurable Testing Objectives - Dedicate a Manager of Testing Who Understands the Issues and ChallengesChallenge #6: Communicating with Customers--And UsersTeamwork - Communication - Continuous InvolvementChallenge #5: Making Time for TestingControl the Scope of Testing - Control Management Expectations - Base Test Cases on an Independent Set of Criteria - Perform Risk Assessments - Reuse Your Testware - Use AutomationChallenge #4: Testing What's Thrown Over the WallEstablish Standards and Processes for Testing - Establish Ownership and Accountability at the Developer Level - Improve Communication Between Developers and TestersChallenge #3: Hitting a Moving TargetRework of Testware - Regression Testing of Previously Tested Software - Backlog Created by Rapid ChangeChallenge #2: Fighting a Lose-Lose SituationCommunicate the Role of Testing to the Rest of the Organization- Set and Manage Customer Expectations of Production SoftwareChallenge #1: Having to Say NoMake Test Reporting Part of the Testing Process - Use Creative Reporting Techniques - Focus on the Facts - Be TruthfulPlan of Action to Improve Testing
Synopsis
Software testers require technical and political skills to survive what can often be a lose-lose relationship with developers and managers.
Whether testing is your specialty or your stepping stone to a career as a developer, there's no better way to survive the pressures put on testers than to meet the ten challenges described in this practical handbook.
This book goes beyond the technical skills required for effective testing to address the political realities that can't be solved by technical knowledge alone. Communication and negotiation skills must be in every tester's tool kit.
Authors Perry and Rice compile a "top ten" list of the challenges faced by testers and offer tactics for success. They combine their years of experience in developing testing processes, writing books and newsletters on testing, and teaching seminars on how to test.
The challenges are addressed in light of the way testing fits into the context of software development and how testers can maximize their relationships with managers, developers, and customers.
In fact, anyone who works with software testers should read this book for insight into the unique pressures put on this part of the software development process.