Surviving the Top Ten Challenges of Software Testing: A People-Oriented Approach

by William E. Perry, Randall W. Rice, Randall Rice

Software testers require people-oriented skills to survive what can often be a lose-lose relationship with developers and managers. Surviving the Top Ten Challenges of Software Testing goes beyond the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0932633382
• ISBN13: 9780932633385
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Dorset House Publishing Company, Incorporated
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Software testing as if people mattered

Much has changed in software development and testing practices since this text was written in the late 90's. However, many of the identified challenges are still with us. I find myself rereading this book as it is a useful reference for a test manager. The authors identify dual disparate roles for the software tester. In role one, the focus is on the task of testing software, such as test planning, test design, and execution. In role two, the tester or test manager's role is more as a politician and marketer to protect the test staff and promote the value they bring to each project . The text focuses on the second role, which elaborates on what the authors identify as the top ten people oriented challenges for the software test professional. The first section of the book includes an assessment to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in meeting people related testing challenges. The bulk of the text contains individual chapters on the top 10 challenges. The challenges are explained along with guidelines to overcome the challenge. Chapters can be read out of order and this format allows you to focus on your weaknesses as identified in the self assessment. The last section of the book describes a six step change process to implement improvements. My favorite two chapters were "Explaining Testing to Managers" and "Getting Trained in Testing." Highly recommended.

Excellent review of the daily pitfalls of software testing

This is an excellent review of the biggest recurring problems of the software testing world. As I read the descriptions of each of the 10 challenges, I was astonished at how many of the pitfalls I fall into on a regular basis. Perry & Rice don't just lay out what the challenges are - they also discuss how to meet each one. Each item on the list has its own chapter with sections on the impact on testing, solutions to the challenge, impediments to implementing the solutions, and helpful guidelines to creating a plan of action. This is without a doubt an excellent book for those of us in the trenches of software testing each day. (One bit of advice, though - if you're looking for a book on "how to do software testing", look elsewhere. Perry and Rice have other good books on the subject, but this one is really intended to help you step back from your daily testing work and see where you could improve on your approach to it.)

Made sense and is appropriate for all!

This book gives excellent insight for the beginning QA professional. It not so detailed that developers and managers will not want anything to do with it either. It explains ways to communicate quality assurance without offending anyone. The content is concentrated on the expressing QA in a brighter light without ruffling too many feathers. I recommend it for everyone in a technical environment with the goal of attaining quality. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY QA PROFESSIONAL.

A Must Read For Managers, Programmers, and Testers

Authors Perry and Rice have provided a clear, concise (less than 200 pages) treatment of perceptual issues that can hinder production process and strategies to overcome them. Insight into facilitating positive change including an overview of methodology; a look at the process from the eyes of management, developers, testers, customer, and end users; and potential pitfalls is provided. Invaluable!

Gives you a head-start in the software testing process

This is truly a book you want to read -- if you want to know what makes a software tester tick. Doesn't delve into all the methods and techniques you ought to use, but approaches the art of software testing from a different perspective: how do I get the software testing process on the road and how do I keep it there. I found it informative, even humorous at times to read. Only one comment though: the autors should have addressed the technical part as a challenge: how to get a testing environment up and running in time.