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Software Testing Strategies
Software Testing Strategies

Software Testing Strategies: A testing guide for the 2020s

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Profile Icon Matthew Heusser Profile Icon Michael Larsen
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Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.9 (9 Ratings)
eBook Dec 2023 378 pages 1st Edition
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Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Matthew Heusser Profile Icon Michael Larsen
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€22.99 €25.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.9 (9 Ratings)
eBook Dec 2023 378 pages 1st Edition
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Paperback
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Software Testing Strategies

Testing and Designing Tests

In the Preface section, we mentioned three levels of testing – checking the obvious, testing intensely (which might never end), and, finally, looking at testing as a risk management activity. We’ll start with the obvious, demonstrate the forever, and then talk about the ways to look at testing as risk management – that is, how can we spend a little time now to save time and money and avoid frustrated users and damaged reputations later? To do that, we must select a few of the most powerful test ideas, with a bias toward the most important parts of the software, and then determine something of meaning from them. Risk management also includes a variety of techniques with some overlap, so that if one approach fails to find a problem, others might succeed. We’ll cover that in Part 2 of this book.

These ideas apply to both unit and customer-facing tests; they also apply to the specialized testing that we’ll discuss in Chapter 5. To start, the examples will be customer-facing, only because we find that the most approachable to the widest audience.

This chapter will focus on the following areas:

  • Understanding and explaining the impossibility of complete testing
  • Learning and developing the theory of error to find defects
  • Understand how a real-time unscripted test session might run
  • How to perform unscripted testing
  • Creating test ideas, including boundaries, equivalence classes, and the pairwise approach to testing
  • Understanding other methods, such as model-driven, soak, and soap opera, as well as other alternative test approaches

Jumping into testing

Let’s start with the happy path. This refers to the primary path and/or workflow that the software developers intend for the application to follow to do its work or provide its results. To do that, we’ll look at a web application that will take some text as input and tell the user if the text is a palindrome or not. Feel free to play along at https://www.xndev.com/palindrome. (This exercise is free and open to the public. It was proposed at WhatDat, the Workshop on Teaching Test Design, an Excelon Event, in 2016, with initial code by Justin Rohrman and Paul Harju).

For our purposes, a palindrome is a word that is the same both forward and backward. Thus, bob is a palindrome, while robert is not, because robert spelled backward is trebor. To determine if the text is a palindrome or not, we can create a very simple application with one input, one button, and one output. This user interface can be seen in Figure 1.1. Here, the user has typed in bob, clicked SUBMIT, and the answer came back as Yes! bob reversed is bob:

Figure 1.1 – The palindrome problem

Figure 1.1 – The palindrome problem

The happy path test here is the process where we type in bob and we see that it is a palindrome. We then check the same for robert, see that it is not, and then declare the testing done. After dozens of times running this exercise for job interviews, we have seen veteran testers stop at the happy path and declare victory perhaps 10% of the time. These are people with years of experience on their resumes.

Most people can come up with the happy path; it may be where we get the idea that testing is easy. The focus of this book is doing better. To do that, we need to open our eyes to all the possible risks, and then figure out how to reduce them.

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Key benefits

  • Gain a solid understanding of software testing and master its multifaceted strategies
  • Empower yourself to effectively overcome software testing challenges
  • Develop actionable real-world testing skills for succeeding in any role
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

In today’s world, software is everywhere—from entertainment apps to mission-critical systems that support our health, finance, and infrastructure. Testing plays a vital role in ensuring these systems work reliably. Whether you're a software developer, hobbyist, or IT professional, this book will guide you in mastering the art of testing. It’s about asking the right "What if?" questions, uncovering vulnerabilities, and ensuring software performs as expected throughout its lifecycle. Testing isn't just about automation; it’s a human-driven, creative process that requires skill, and a deep understanding of software behavior. With practical examples and expert insights, this book helps you craft your own test strategies and explore novel approaches to problem-solving in the testing world. With its help, you’ll hone your testing skills with techniques and methodologies rather than tool-based solutions. Authored by experts Matt Heusser and Michael Larson, the book provides valuable strategies for making testing both effective and engaging. Matt is known for his leadership in project rescue initiatives, while Michael’s work in accessibility testing has helped shape industry standards. By the end of this book, you’ll be equipped to enhance your testing practices and ensure high-quality software in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Who is this book for?

This book is for a broad spectrum of professionals engaged in software development, including programmers, testers, and DevOps specialists. Tailored to those who aspire to elevate their testing practices beyond the basics, the book caters to anyone seeking practical insights and strategies to master the nuanced interplay between human intuition and automation. Whether you are a seasoned developer, meticulous tester, or DevOps professional, this comprehensive guide offers a transformative roadmap to become an adept strategist in the dynamic realm of software quality assurance.

What you will learn

  • Explore accessibility, functional testing, performance testing, and more as an integral part of testing
  • Find out how to implement a wide range of testing approaches
  • Develop the skills needed to create effective testing strategies tailored to your project's needs
  • Discover how to prioritize and execute the most impactful test ideas
  • Gain insight into when and how to apply different testing elements
  • Defend your chosen testing strategy with a comprehensive understanding of its components

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Publication date : Dec 22, 2023
Length: 378 pages
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Language : English
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Publication date : Dec 22, 2023
Length: 378 pages
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Table of Contents

21 Chapters
Part 1:The Practice of Software Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1: Testing and Designing Tests Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Fundamental Issues in Tooling and Automation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Programmer-Facing Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Customer-Facing Tests Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Specialized Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Testing Related Skills Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: Test Data Management Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2:Testing and Software Delivery Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: Delivery Models and Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: The Puzzle Pieces of Good Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Putting Your Test Strategy Together Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 11: Lean Software Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3:Practicing Politics Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 12: Case Studies and Experience Reports Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 13: Testing Activities or a Testing Role? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 14: Philosophy and Ethics in Software Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 15: Words and Language About Work Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 16: Testing Strategy Applied Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

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Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.9
(9 Ratings)
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Chris Foo Jan 10, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
As a leader in the software quality space, I'll say this: This is an excellent book on the subject of the craft of software quality and should be on the bookshelf of any practitioner of the art. I got for myself both the kindle and paperback versions and have recommended this to my team.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
A May 14, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I picked this up on a whim after the authors posted a blurb on linkedin and I gotta say everything in this book so far is excellent at half way through. The content is not overly technical and this keeps it out of the more hands on Testing Goat making the book a classic in testing and testing strategy. In addition to this it's a page turner, the anecdotes are great, the feel they go for from chapter to chapter is engaging and for me it's answering questions about testing that schooling/other content hasn't been able to do well or concisely.I would recommend it!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Scott Jan 10, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
As a seasoned professional in the field of software development, I've come across numerous testing guides, but "Software Testing Strategies" by Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen stands out as a comprehensive and indispensable resource. This book is a game-changer for anyone looking to not only understand the fundamentals of software testing but to master its multifaceted strategies.One of the strengths of this book is its balanced approach between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The authors expertly guide you through the fundamentals of software testing, covering everything from test design to automation, ensuring you gain a solid understanding of the core concepts. What sets this guide apart is its emphasis on specialized testing areas, including security, internationalization, accessibility, and performance, providing real-world insights that are invaluable in today's software development environment.The integration of testing into the broader software delivery process is a key focus of the book's second part. It explores different delivery models and puzzle pieces that contribute to effective testing, allowing readers to craft their own test strategies. The emphasis on lean approaches to software testing is particularly enlightening, offering optimization strategies that can be applied to various processes.Beyond technicalities, the book addresses the broader context of testing, covering case studies, experience reports, and the philosophy and ethics of software testing. This holistic approach sets this guide apart, ensuring that readers not only become adept strategists but also gain insights into the ethical considerations surrounding software testing.The book's structured layout, covering topics from fundamental issues to lean software testing and case studies, makes it an easy-to-follow and engaging read. The inclusion of a free PDF eBook with the purchase of the print or Kindle version adds extra value, allowing readers to access the content conveniently.I strive to find an opportunity for improvement when offering reviews and for this book it's the subtitle. I am not a huge fan of strategy in the "2020s" because these concepts are timeless. "Software Testing Strategies" is a transformative guide that equips professionals with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the dynamic realm of software testing. Highly recommended!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
John McConda May 09, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book is a breath of fresh air in a crowded world of bland books on software. The reason for this is the human element. For testing, it gives you everything you need to know about the fundamentals but it also forages deep into the real issues around people making software for other people. For example, there are chapters that focus on ethics, what do you do if someone asks you to lie about your testing? There are stories about bullying personalities that anyone working in the software world is likely to face at some point. This is definitely a must-have book for anyone just starting in software and also for those who have been testing for years.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Albert Gareev Jan 17, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This is going to be a tough review because I compare any new testing books with such timeless classic works as "Perfect Software And Other Illusions About Testing" and "Becoming a Technical Leader." Jumping ahead, though - this book certainly deserves a place on the same shelf.You will find a tasteful mix of memoirs and guidelines, which is well consistent with "Strategies.." title of the book. Best of all people can learn from experiences and mistakes; smart people can learn from someone else's experiences and mistakes, and this book has plenty to offer. As a bonus, you can approach the authors online. If nothing else, you'll benefit from their talks, articles, and videos.The chapters of the book provide a vast coverage of topics, giving a "lookahead" for testing managers and hands-on testers. If needed, one can jump to a strategy of interest, say, Accessibility, Automation, or politics in Testing. Yes, the book is not stuck with technical concepts only. In fact, the chapter about corporate politics and professional boundaries will be truly valuable for people even completely outside of the testing profession and even applicable to situations in marriage.The book is quite heavy (nearly 400 pages!), which makes it difficult to recommend any additions. But I'd still recommend two. More situational examples and storytelling - especially because the authors do many of them in the brilliant Jerry Weinberg style. Plus chapters on job search for testers and also on hiring strategies. Finding good testers is hard!Concluding, this book is definitely not a "Minimal Viable Product" (MVP), it's an MFVP - Multi-Faceted Viable Product. The book is solid and stable enough - yet I wouldn't call it complete and final. Testing can be stopped but never finished, it may always expand and go deeper - and the Software Testing Strategies book is a great representation of that concept!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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