Product Description

Decades of software testing experience condensed into the most important lessons learned.

The world′s leading software testing experts lend you their wisdom and years of experience to help you avoid the most common mistakes in testing software. Each lesson is an assertion related to software testing, followed by an explanation or example that shows you the how, when, and why of the testing lesson. More than just tips, tricks, and pitfalls to avoid, Lessons Learned in Software Testing speeds you through the critical testing phase of the software development project without the extensive trial and error it normally takes to do so. The ultimate resource for software testers and developers at every level of expertise, this guidebook features:
∗ Over 200 lessons gleaned from over 30 years of combined testing experience
∗ Tips, tricks, and common pitfalls to avoid by simply reading the book rather than finding out the hard way
∗ Lessons for all key topic areas, including test design, test management, testing strategies, and bug reporting
∗ Explanations and examples of each testing trouble spot help illustrate each lesson′s assertion

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98560 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
"If testing is something that is going to be an important part of your career buy this book and read it carefully." (CVu – Jnl of the Association C & C++ Users, February 2002)

"...a real gem for me, this book is one that I shall find useful each and every test department should have several copies available...be prepared to be inspired, or at the very least to have your ideas challenged..." (Professional Tester, September 2002)

"...a refreshing and enjoyable book it will not be ′shelf–ware′, but a well–used reference..." (Software Testing, Verification & Reliability, March 2003)

"...will make fascinating reading highly recommended..." (CVu, Dec 03)

Review
"If testing is something that is going to be an important part of your career buy this book and read it carefully." (CVu – Jnl of the Association C & C++ Users, February 2002)

"...a real gem for me, this book is one that I shall find useful each and every test department should have several copies available...be prepared to be inspired, or at the very least to have your ideas challenged..." (Professional Tester, September 2002)

"...a refreshing and enjoyable book it will not be ′shelf–ware′, but a well–used reference..." (Software Testing, Verification & Reliability, March 2003)

"...will make fascinating reading highly recommended..." (CVu, Dec 03)

From the Back Cover
"A fresh, provocative look at what goes on in the ′real world′ of software testing–guaranteed to make you rethink most of your assumptions and traditional ′theories′ of how testing really ought to be done."
–Ed Yourdon

"Any one of these tiny lessons could be worth the price of the book."
–Tom DeMarco, Principal, The Atlantic Systems Guild

Great software testing teams aren′t born, they′re made–through a lot of hard work and persuasive communication. Along the way, there is an abundance of traps that one can fall into, which can derail the best–laid plans and put your projects behind schedule.

Cem Kaner, James Bach, and Bret Pettichord know this all too well. Between them, they have over fifty years of testing experience, and know what it takes for successful testing. In this groundbreaking new book, they have compiled 293 pieces of experience–tested advice for you to put to work in your testing projects. They reveal insights on how to do the job well, how to manage it, and how to steer clear of common misunderstandings in software testing. Each lesson is an assertion related to software testing, followed by an explanation or example that shows you the how, when, and why of the testing lesson.

The ultimate resource for software testers, developers, and managers at every level of expertise, this guidebook also features:
∗ Useful practices and helpful ways of evaluating situations gleaned from over fifty years of combined testing experience from the world′s leading software testing experts
∗ Lessons for all key topic areas including test design, test automation, test management, testing strategies, and bug reporting
∗ Advice on how to match the selection of practices to the circumstances of your project

Wiley Computer Publishing
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Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/

Customer Reviews

Like sitting down and chatting with the authors
When I first skimmed through the book I thought, oh great a whole bunch of incomplete views that they couldn't make a book out of, then realising they'd made a book out of it, sneaky.

As I read through some of the individual lessons, made easy as all 293 are listed out under handy topic headings in the table of contents, I realised that what this book actually provides. It gives you 293 across the desk brief mentoring sessions that you wish you could with some guru like character. This book is like having Kaner, Bach or Pettichord sat there working with you, answering your questions in a thought provoking and considered way. You may not agree completely with the authors views and that's a good thing, lesson 294.

Typical lessons are ones such as number 32, "You discover requirements by conference, inference and reference", provide useful insight over a few paragraphs that will help you approach this area with more options for getting requirements in hand. However, the whole book isn't like this and in fact the end of chapter three's Addendum to Techniques is 19 pages of step by step examples, usable lists and definitions that reminded me of content in Kaner et al Testing Computer Software.

This book isn't a comprehensive guide to software testing. If you're totally green some of the content might appear to lack a cohesive structure, you may not find links you expect. If however you've got some background in this domain it'll serve to compliment and possibly challenge your views. Sometimes this book serves to tell you that in fact you're approach is right in your testing context, make that lesson 295.

If you're in need of guidance and looking for a lightweight collection of ideas around a particular topic such as test techniques, automation or test documents then this is a great book to get a useful idea of the topic. If you want to get some thoughts clear in your mind or get extra vocabulary for discussing topics you already know, then again this book will provide that and some new perspectives to boot.

An enjoyable, readable and useful book that wont disappoint.

Just the kind of testing book we needed!
This book's great, nearly 300 'bite-sized' practical lessons about testing! The wonderful thing is, you can dip in at any time and take away something useful - I recommend this for anyone involved in testing (or anyone concerned about quality!).

Indispensable book on software testing - Profis Ltd review
A 'must have' for anyone studying for the ISEB exams.

This is one of those rare finds that covers the whole spectrum of software testing - from the role of the tester to test design and planning.

Broken into 293 'lessons' it puts across many gems in an entertaining and easy to read style - unlike many books on testing which tend to be very dry.

The experienced tester and those just starting in the profession will find something of value in these pages.