I was visiting friends and family last week in Costa Rica. Even though there is a growing software industry in there, my non-technical childhood friends only know that I work in “something related to computers” and for them that means I do everything from installing printers to writing the software for the space shuttle program. […]
Author Archive | Joel Montvelisky
Testing Outputs that generate added value to the Organization
Last week we reviewed the operational inputs of the software testing process. This week we should complete the picture by reviewing its outputs. As part of our analysis we identified six channels that provide input to the testing process (Requirements, Scheduling, Designs, Risks, Defects, and Organizational Feedback); output channels are less in number but bigger […]
Testing Inputs or how to avoid driving your process with your eyes shut
Back in school, we learned that each process has inputs and outputs. Inputs provide the information and feedback needed to define the internal operations of the process, while outputs specify the deliverables that are handed out. Some of the biggest process mistakes result from not identifying or failing to correctly map these inputs and outputs. […]
Test Plan Recipe for a Mixed Formal & Informal Testing Approach
Some testers and QA managers won’t admit they use informal testing as part of their QA routine. In some circles this testing approach is considered a waste of time or an unprofessional way to perform a testing task. I think this is a misconception, and a knowledgeable tester should enjoy from the advantages of both […]
Rules of thumb vs. Silver bullets
All Quality Assurance organizations test differently. Each one has singular applications, unique characteristics, and methodological history that define the way they structure and perform their testing tasks. It would be absurd to assume that a unified “silver bullet” approach can suit the needs of all testing teams world wide, but there are general aspects in […]