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What is the Current State of Software Testing?
June 2009
Talking about software testing is like the story of blind men describing an elephant. Each description is limited to what part they touch. The job of software testing can be universally disparate, influenced by diverse variables, rendering what is common or normal moot.
At LogiGear, we often hear statements from testers like these:
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“Testing is bug finding not requirements validation!” “Requirements docs? I wish I got some!” |
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“We don’t do automation, is this still as common?” |
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“I have no problems with my offshore team. I don’t know what the fuss is about,” AND “This offshore team was forced on my team and it’s a complete mess.” |
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“Do I need to get certified as a tester? What does certification get you?” |
The challenge in understanding the current state of testing, then, is to bypass conventional wisdom or educated guesses, and rely instead on actual data.
In an effort to put our thumb on the pulse of the software testing industry, we have developed a series of surveys that are designed to get granular about the real experiences of testers and testing teams. The data we collect will be incorporated into white papers, articles and perhaps even a book - empowering testers who wish to have a positive influence on their profession globally.
Who can take the surveys?
Anyone in the software testing industry is invited to participate. Spread the word - forward the survey link to any tests communities, fellow testers in your company, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Plaxo, test or QA groups, SPINS, etc. Plus, each time you complete a survey you’ll be entered to win a FREE Apple iTouch AND get a coupon for $50 off tuition from the LogiGear University software training course of your choosing.
A note from survey author, Michael Hackett, LogiGear Senior Vice President
“I don’t believe in a best practice. The motivation and goals of testing vary from project to project. For example, testing a web application for an e-commerce site is different than testing software required to be FDA compliant is different than testing firmware for cars is different than testing corporate accounting software is different than testing a printer driver. To say there is one best practice for testing is therefore ridiculous. But what are the common practices? What do most people do? How much regression testing is commonly automated?”
“My goals in crafting this extensive survey are to assemble a set of findings that will reveal the diversity of common practices in software testing today, and to ascertain the real experiences of software tester communities within the industry. Be part of the project and make a measureable impact!”
Visit Michael's page...
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