testing

Articles

Keeping Secrets

Test data has long been a challenge for testing; privacy legislation, identify theft, and the continued trend towards outsourcing has made it even worse. Just establishing and maintaining a comprehensive test environment can take half or more of all testing time and effort. In this column, Linda Hayes adds in the new and expanding privacy laws that inevitably limit your testing options. Yet from the quagmire of laws and company standards, better testing can emerge.

Linda Hayes's picture Linda Hayes
Bumper Stickers for Testers

Why is software testing perceived as dull? How many other jobs can list "crash," "hang," and "death march" in their daily vocabularies? In this week's column, Harry Robinson encourages testers to embrace a little pride and excitement in what they do, and Harry has just the mottos for bumper stickers that announce Tester Pride. Author's note: Feel free to add your own favorite slogan in the comment section at the end!

Harry Robinson's picture Harry Robinson
Tips and Hints for Developing Automated Test Scripts

Jose Fajardo delineates techniques for building more maintainable and robust automated test scripts. The author provides valuable insights for testers working with automated test tools and building a repository of automated test scripts for future testing efforts. A myriad of suggestions for documenting test scripts, debugging test scripts, performing peer-reviews on test scripts, and synchronizing test scripts are offered.

Jose Fajardo
This Way, Mr. Roboto

Have you ever felt like you were going in circles trying to explain programming to nontechnical people? Simply telling them what programmers do just isn't enough. In this column, Naomi Karten demystifies the programming world by showing nontechnical people how to think like programmers?on a basic level. This seemingly intricate journey starts with a few simple directions.

Naomi Karten's picture Naomi Karten
Speak up The Entrepreneurial Test Manager

IT budget cuts always seem to affect testers first. If we don't think we are being valued, then maybe it's time to speak up—not just at budget time, but all the time. In this column, Linda Hayes says to make yourself visible, make yourself heard, and make sure your value is communicated and understood. Realize that you are, in effect, raising money from your company to pay for the time and people you need.

Linda Hayes's picture Linda Hayes
How to Energize Your Test Team

You're waist deep in your third month of late nights, weekends, and shipping stress; you can see and feel your team's energy waning. The goal is in sight but still far off, and you need the very best from everyone to reach the goal. How are you going to motivate and energize your team to reach the finish line? This article explores the major issues test team leaders face: keeping a team motivated and knowing when it needs to be energized.

Jamie Tischart
audition interview Watching Testers in Action

Why wait to see your candidate work? Implement an audition into the interviewing process and add dimension to your candidate's resume. In this column, Johanna Rothman discusses how you can increase the effectiveness of an interview by implementing a well-planned audition. Whether this audition takes place over the phone or in person, you'll gather a richer perspective of the candidate's capabilities and how easily the applicant can adapt to your working environment. Put your candidate's words to the test; the results of an audition may break the tie between two superb applicants.

Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
It's Different in Test

Testers are completely different from developers and customers, and even different from other testers. In this column, Harry Robinson argues that testers need to be appreciated for the unique contribution they bring to a software team.

Harry Robinson's picture Harry Robinson
Fear of Automation Fear of Automation

Can a pan create an award-winning meal without the chef? Can a scalpel perform surgery without a skilled surgeon to lead it? Can a paintbrush create a work of art without the artist? These tools and test automation are only as good as those who use them. In this column, Linda Hayes debunks the popular idea that streamlining through test automation will mean certain termination for employees. Linda explains that test automation can actually equate to becoming an indispensable team member.

Linda Hayes's picture Linda Hayes
creating meaningful connections Meaningful Connections

In this week's column, Danny R. Faught discusses some techniques on how to beef up your networking game. He compares successful to not-so-great tactics for meeting people who can help us. He also guides us in the ways of maintaining relationships. His bottom line: the focus should always be on creating meaningful connections. Networking shouldn't just be about meeting people, but about learning how to wisely judge their value as well.

Danny R. Faught's picture Danny R. Faught

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