Introduction to Test Automation in Software Testing

As we rapidly approach the new spring season with vigour, there is never a better time to revisit areas in our work/home lives and look at applying a fresh approach to make improvements.

The same can be said for software testing and exploring fresh ways of being innovative in the use of processes, tools and methodologies applied. The new financial year can bring new opportunities to invest in improvement initiatives and the spring season can often give rise to renewed energy, open mindsets, renewed commitment to try and apply new strategies and look to reduce none value-add activities.

Strategies for Meeting Stakeholder Expectations

“Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.” -  Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings.

Sometimes, as a Tester I feel as if I am the only one with a grip on reality!

• Delivery into test is late but still the Project Manager expects us to do the same level of testing in less time.
• The system is not meeting the customer expectations but still the Product Owner wants to ship.
• The Developers are rejecting every defect we raise and somehow it’s our fault that the code is buggy. 

Why do you test so late?

Common problems I’ve seen during my career (if that’s what you could call this collection of happy accidents), are situations where a project's timelines are placed in jeopardy because testing takes longer than expected; or the scope expands after the requirements are signed off, usually after testing starts.

Now, there may be situations where this is a genuine occurrence. Requirements change, possibly regulations change. Availability of resource may change.

The Impact of App Access on User Experience

I have an app on my phone that I am required to use as part of a medication I take for preventing migraines, something I unfortunately get a lot of. This app tracks my migraines, the medicines I take, triggers, side effects, etc. It also sends a regular report to the Neurologist at my hospital so they can monitor the effectiveness of the medication. Sounds pretty cool, right?!

What Are the Best Practices for Managing Conflict?

Yes, this really happened! I was working on a huge government project, and along with the Chief Acceptance Officer for the program, I was visiting a supplier to sign off the acceptance of their data centre.

The plan was that:

• The supplier would present the evidence of testing.
• I would confirm that I had checked it all and that it was good to go.
• The Acceptance Officer would sign off on the report.
• The supplier would get a cheque for £20 million in the post!

The Essential Qualities of an Effective Software Test Consultant

Being involved with the selection days for our prospective SDET Graduates got me thinking about what people expect a career in testing to be and how they can be effective in this space. So, if you are considering moving into testing, what makes an effective Software Test Consultant? Good question! Wish I knew - I might have been one! 

Seriously though, that's not an easy question to answer. Every situation is different. Every client or project throws up different challenges. Testing is so broad with so many disciplines and aspects to it. However, if you are considering a career in it, some fundamentals hold true across the board. We'll try to cover some of them here...

From Graduate to SDET: What You Need to Know

Following on from Tony Simm's recent blog on the challenges of finding technical testers with technical skills, we have asked one of our Graduate SDET Consultants, Joseph Batchelor, to share his experience on this topic. 

Introduction to Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

"One area where we are seeing large growth at the moment is that of DevOps and SDET Software Development Engineer, particularly with larger organisations and government departments. Driving this demand is the desire to breakdown the barrier between software development & IT operations and blend them together so as to build cheaper, quicker and more valuable solutions. DevOps is still a fairly new phenomenon and this means that there's not a whole load of staff out there with significant experience. That can lead to difficulties with recruiting." - Tony Simms

Becoming an Automation Tester

Last year, I started a new role with nFocus as a Graduate Software Developer Engineer in Test (SDET). I had graduated from the nFocus Academy and this was my first assignment. The role was to be responsible for creating automated tests, undertaking exploratory testing and working in a team of experienced professionals.

Static Analysis Tools: True or False

Not everything that you believe is true. You'll be surprised about the things that you think you know and that you think are true but are, in fact...false.

1: Tins of baked beans

I bet you think that tins of baked beans contain baked beans. To be honest, I wouldn't blame you if you did.  I mean, it's there on the label. There are rules about what you can and can't put on the food labels. However, the truth is that tins of baked beans don't contain baked beans. The beans in cans of baked beans have been stewed, not baked. (Source.)

When should you engage with the testing team on waterfall projects?

I appreciate that most software development these days is done using the 'agile methodology' or a variation thereof. With agile, the testing team is (or at least should be) heavily involved with every sprint.

However, many organisations also deliver other types of projects that don’t have a continuous development path. These are one-and-done projects like bringing in or patching a 3rd party’s software; upgrading or replacing hardware or a whole range of changes that can impact your user base.