Introduction

As a member of Generation X, I find myself reminiscing about the days when "The One" was Neo, dodging bullets in "The Matrix," and when I started my journey in software QA.

My first introduction to testing was through User Acceptance Testing (UAT) on a large accounting and reconciliation software project and user requirements. It did not take long for me to realise I had a knack for testing and working in that environment. I moved into testing full-time, spending over ten years with nFocus, working on projects that spanned from large-scale government IT projects and e-commerce to finance and construction/infrastructure. In these sectors, I sometimes worked as a lone Tester, while other times I was part of cross-skilled teams that delivered award-winning products.

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.

Introduction to Ryan Dudley

1. How long have you been working in testing?

I've been in testing now for 6 and a half years. I joined nFocus fresh out of college as an apprentice at the age of 18 and never looked back! I've been exposed to a wide range of testing approaches and technologies and I've been able to work on a variety of different projects all with their own challenges.

2. What is your favourite area of testing?

Automation Testing - I find it fascinating how you can automate a task, removing the need to check that piece of functionality manually. This then allows you to have a great regression pack to be run whenever you like, giving you confidence when you are heading into a new release.

An Agile Way of Working

If you’re able to work from home, then you have probably been working from home for some time now. You probably have mastered a daily routine, have adjusted your work/life balance and are used to attending meetings in jogging bottoms and bedroom slippers!

But then, someone like me comes along and asks if you know what a ‘Pomodoro’ is and how it may help you improve your work time. The Pomodoro Technique is a very simple technique to learn, incredibly quick and easy to apply. All you need is a pencil, paper and a timer then you’re ready to go!