Survival Rules for Software Testing

Author: Perry
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Successful software testing is far from being achieved solely through technical skills. Software testing also requires interpersonal communication and interaction skills. The author, with decades of experience in software development and testing, reveals several major interpersonal challenges faced in software testing, including obtaining software training, maintaining good relationships with developers, gaining support from management, maintaining communication with clients, meeting changing requirements, and learning how to say no—reporting bad news in software testing, among others. Specific case studies are provided to illustrate strategic approaches to resolving these challenges. Errors in software almost always lead to loss of control over development costs, schedules, and quality. When everyone believes the software is ready for production, testing fails, resulting in project delays and cost overruns, making testers the inevitable scapegoats. In reality, testers often find themselves in a "no-win" situation between developers and management. Successful software testing is far from being achieved solely through technical skills. Software testing also requires interpersonal communication and interaction skills. The author, with decades of experience in software development and testing, reveals several major interpersonal challenges faced in software testing, including obtaining software training, maintaining good relationships with developers, gaining support from management, maintaining communication with clients, meeting changing requirements, and learning how to say no—reporting bad news in software testing, among others. Specific case studies are provided to illustrate strategic approaches to resolving these challenges. The unique feature of this book lies in its emphasis on the interpersonal communication and negotiation skills required in software testing, teaching testers techniques to handle "office politics." Thus, it ensures the timely and efficient delivery of software projects. This book is a guide for software developers and testers.