Lower Standards: The Key to Better Software? (August 2010)

Generally speaking, having standards is a good thing (like on the dating scene). When it comes to software testing, however, this isn't necessarily the case. According to Ben Simo - aka "Quality Frog" - many of today's testing standards have actually had a negative impact. Ben was our most recent guest for Testing the Limits, where he discussed many of the topics on the mind's of today's software professionals. Here are a few clips:

On needless standardization: "Software testing is a rich and diverse field. It is also a young field. Rather than feign maturity and simplicity where there is none, let’s embrace the diversity and youth. Let’s continue to learn. Let’s not lock in a set of context-free definitions and practices and make them a standard. Such standards will hurt the quality of software, not improve it."

On manual vs. automated testing: "Rather than look at testing as something to be either manual or automated, I encourage people to look at individual tasks that are part of testing and try to identify ways that automation can help testers evaluate software. Rather than limit tools to automation of test execution, I look for ways that automation can assist testers – to turn them into powerful cyborgs."

On the testing learning curve: "I learned that the real requirements aren’t necessarily the things documented in a technical requirements document. I learned to create tools to help me accomplish tedious tasks and enable doing things I could not do manually. While I didn’t realize it at the time, I was becoming a context-driven tester."

Read the entire three-part interview from the beginning.

Bug of the Month: Less Than a Week Left!

Our new Bug of the Month contest is off to a great start. With more and more participants entering the fray, we've seen numerous bugs and thousands of "likes" - but we're not done yet. You have until August 30th to submit your Bug of the Month contender for a chance to win an iPod touch. So what are you waiting for? Visit our Facebook page and get cracking.

Ten Tips for Agile Testing

One of the biggest challenges of "going Agile" is integrating testing with the rest of your operations. To help you make a smooth transition (or improve your existing Agile practices) we're offering this free whitepaper: 10 Tips for Agile Software Testing. Seems like the least we could do. Here you'll find tips on:

  • Defining your testing matrix
  • Understanding the true goal of testing
  • Capturing meaningful data
  • Maintaining a daily SCRUM schedule
  • And more

Get the free whitepaper now.

Mobile Web: "“I Ain’t Dead Yet #*%$#@!!”

Rumors of the mobile web’s death have been greatly exaggerated. Despite some compelling arguments in Wired’s latest series – where experts assert that native apps have (or will soon) totally displace the web – we’re not quite ready to pull the plug. Apparently, neither is the general public. Not just yet. Find out why on mobileapptesting.com.

uTest Project Managers: We're Here to Help

At uTest, we understand that you can't afford any downtime. So to get your testing up and running without delay, we assign a dedicated project manager to every customer account. Our PM team is ready to assist you with:

  • Test planning: Your uTest project manager can help define your test cycle objectives and parameters; assist in test case creation and other advisory duties
  • Tester selection: uTest will help you handpick your testers to meet your testing requirements based upon their tester profiles and their past customer ratings
  • Manage testing team: We will manage your testing team, including all communications and guidance, to make sure your test cycle is a success
  • Bug triage & analysis: Receive bug reports, coverage reports and detailed analysis on each test cycle; project managers will even offer recommendations for next steps

To find out more about our services, visit our pricing page, watch our video intro or contact us directly.

Quality Quotes

“Contrary to much of our profession's folklore, a good testing question doesn't necessarily have a definitive, expected result. Tests that are designed to confirm a prevailing theory tend not to reveal new information.” - Michael Bolton “If you don’t care about quality, you can meet any other requirement.” – Gerald M. Weinberg “Irreproducible bugs become highly reproducible right after delivery to the customer." - Michael Stahl

(Thanks to Testing Thoughts for gathering the quotes)