Taking Testing Seriously

Elevate your software testing approach with a methodology from industry leaders who dedicated their careers to studying, practicing, and teaching the craft of testing.

Dive into the world of expert software testing with Taking Testing Seriously: The Rapid Software Testing Approach. This book arms software professionals with the knowledge required to master the Rapid Software Testing (RST) methodology. Written by two co-creators of the RST approach and supplemented by material from respected testers who offer valuable insights, it is an essential read for anyone seeking excellence in the craft of testing.

Taking Testing Seriously offers a rich exploration of the RST methodology through insightful interviews, expert discussions, practical case studies, and real-world examples. It thoroughly covers key topics such as the psychology of testing, the science behind it, the fundamental processes and heuristics of test design, and much more. This book provides concrete strategies for addressing common software testing challenges and integrating new solutions with existing systems.

You will:

• Gain insights from experienced software testers through in-depth interviews and expert advice
• Learn how to the skills of testing are needed more than ever in an AI-powered IT industry
• Discover strategies to leverage the latest automation technologies to refine and expedite your testing processes
• Escape from the echo chamber of “best practices” and learn to think critically about testing

Focusing on the mindset and skillset of excellent testing, Taking Testing Seriously is a must-have resource for software engineers and technical leaders eager to improve their testing proficiency. Whether you are looking to advance your career or simply want to ensure your next project meets the highest standards of quality, this book provides the tools you need. Order your copy today and start transforming the way you and your team approach software testing.

Foreword xxiii

Reader Support of This Book xxvii

Part I Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Why Another Book About Testing? 3

Part II Rapid Software Testing Methodology 15

Chapter 2 Foundation 17

Chapter 3 How to Do a Test 75

Chapter 4 How to Do a Test Strategy 137

Chapter 5 How to Account for Your Work 189

Chapter 6 How to Apply Automation in Testing 215

Chapter 7 How to Approach AI and Testing 255

Part III Application and Customization 269

Chapter 8 Prospective Testing 271

Chapter 9 Test Reporting (Without Pretentious Metrics) 293

Chapter 10 Working with Quality Characteristics 305

Chapter 11 Adventures in Testability 317

Chapter 12 Mindopsy: Dissecting My Thinking as a Tester 325

Chapter 13 Rapid Usability Testing 339

Chapter 14 RST Meets Signals-Based Testing 353

Chapter 15 Deliberate Practice of Testing Skills 365

Part IV Context and Culture 377

Chapter 16 Lessons of the Post Office Horizon Scandal 379

Chapter 17 Sociology and Software Testing 401

Chapter 18 How Testing Looks to Management 415

Chapter 19 Technical Work Is All About Learning 433

Chapter 20 From RST to AST 445

Chapter 21 Notes on a Seeker’s Journey into Testing 451

Chapter 22 Becoming an RST Instructor 467

Part V Appendices 477

Appendix A Roadmap of Testing 479

Appendix B The Heuristic Test Strategy Model 481

Appendix C Heuristics of Testability 493

Appendix D Elements of Excellent Testing 499

About the Contributors 509

Index 513

JAMES BACH is the creator of the Rapid Software Testing methodology, founder and CEO of software testing and training company Satisfice, and the co-author of the critically acclaimed bestseller Lessons Learned in Software Testing (Wiley 2001).

MICHAEL BOLTON has over 30 years of experience testing, developing, managing, and writing about software. For over 20 years, he has led DevelopSense, a Toronto-based testing and development consultancy. In 2006, he became co-creator (with creator James Bach) of Rapid Software Testing (RST).

Explore and implement the Rapid Software Testing approach with expert guidance from industry leaders

Discover the secrets to mastering software testing in Taking Testing Seriously: The Rapid Software Testing Approach. This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth exploration of the Rapid Software Testing (RST) methodology, providing practical insights into implementing it on your projects. Led by the innovators who crafted RST over more than 30 years, this is the first comprehensive description of RST ever put in writing. It is your ticket to enhancing your testing skills, finding bugs that matter, and building your reputation as a tester.

Taking Testing Seriously dives deep into the scientific foundations of testing, challenging conventional assumptions. With contributions from seasoned software testing professionals, expert interviews, and practical case studies and examples, the book covers essential topics such as how to think like a tester, what it means to be a responsible tester, how to develop testing skills, and how to apply AI to the testing process. It also addresses common pitfalls like “automation bias” and the industry’s odd obsession with test cases.

Whether you’re a tester, programmer, or a technical manager, Taking Testing Seriously is an invaluable resource that will elevate your grasp of the fundamentals and timeless dynamics in software testing. This essential guide will help you learn to appreciate and develop your tacit knowledge while finding opportunities to use tools to help you succeed across all the seasons and contexts of testing.