Model-, behavior- and test-driven development
Model-, behavior- and test-driven development all rely on a particular cycle or input. In our coverage, we examine when and how each method helps app-dev teams, and what's necessary to adopt each approach. Additionally, learn how these development methods intersect with one another within Agile.
Top Stories
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Tip
29 Nov 2021
Quality engineering vs. quality assurance: Know the differences
Any dev team serious about improving software quality should study the quality engineering vs. quality assurance debate. Let's review the two practices' differences and overlap. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2021
An introduction to TDD benefits, risks and examples
Programmers, looking to implement -- or improve -- your team's TDD practices? Review the fundamentals and examples below to remember how TDD can be a benefit and not a burden. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Mar 2015
Agile Manifesto: Both timeless and outdated?
The Agile Manifesto changed the way we look at the software development process. Today, the Manifesto is outdated in some ways and timeless in others. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Feb 2015
Three traits of continuous software development
What is 'continuous' in software development? Combining iterative development with automation produces code so quickly it is now thought of as continuous. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
09 Feb 2015
DeveloperWeek 2015: Dev techies unite in San Francisco
DeveloperWeek 2015 is one of the largest tech events in the country. Find out the latest news from the show. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2015
Does a tester actually need test cases?
Discover whether or not test cases are necessary in this expert answer by consultant Robin Goldsmith. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Feb 2015
Four principles for staying true to real Agile
Over time, software teams develop their own variants of Agile. Here's how to make sure your practice remains aligned with the spirit of Agile. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jan 2015
Test software with persona-based requirements
Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software? Learn if there are tools designed to make testing software easier. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jan 2015
How QA testers participate in the requirements definition process
Learn how QA testers should participate in the requirements definition process in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Dec 2014
How do requirements relate to acceptance criteria?
Requirements and acceptance criteria often seem to be essentially the same thing, but that's not quite true. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2014
Five tools to improve embedded software testing efforts
Embedded software testing tools are useful for catching defects during unit, integration and system testing. Here are five such tools that can make testing easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2014
App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria
SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2014
Five mobile testing tools for developers to consider
This review of five mobile testing tools, Appium, Selendroid, ios-driver, Sauce Labs and Perfecto Mobile, will kick-start your research in a growing software market. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Oct 2014
Is Agile requirement gathering that different from waterfall?
Does moving to Agile development eliminate up-front requirements gathering? Does it mean the development team takes responsibility for requirements instead of the business side? Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2014
Agile testing methods for multiple teams
Learn the latest Agile testing methods for converting multiple teams from a traditional process to Agile. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jul 2014
How to resolve team conflict
Arguing team members can derail a project. Project managers can help resolve the issue by finding its root cause. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2014
When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal
Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2014
CI success depends on quality acceptance criteria
Successful continuous integration requires testable acceptance criteria that help to guide developers. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2014
Software quality metrics paint partial project picture
QA consultant Gerie Owen discusses the use of two post-production metrics: defect removal efficiency and defect detection percentage. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2014
FAQ: Software testing in the cloud
Tackle the basics of testing software in the cloud with these answers to frequently asked questions. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jun 2014
Proactive additions shore up forms-based authentication
How can we best prevent hacking and user account lock out in Web applications with forms-based authentication? Continue Reading
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Answer
23 May 2014
How Amazon CloudWatch provides automated APM tools
Amazon CloudWatch provides AWS customers with automated APM tools that they can use to keep applications and businesses running smoothly. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2014
AWS mobile development tools hold steady lead
AWS mobile tools are able to stay ahead of other mobile development vendors' tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2014
Knowledge, skills and abilities for software QA jobs
The right knowledge, skills and abilities for QA jobs don't necessarily include test script automation or security testing skills. Jenn Lent explains. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2014
Agile application lifecycle management is not an oxymoron
Learn how Agile application lifecycle management supports the development process for better software and business needs. Continue Reading
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Quiz
06 Mar 2014
ALM and the Agile development methodology: What do you know?
Test your knowledge of application lifecycle management when it's merged with the Agile development methodology. Continue Reading
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Guide
24 Feb 2014
All about Agile and ALM
When it comes to deployment strategies, mobile app capabilities, cloud computing issues and security, there's a lot to learn about Agile ALM. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2014
Agile project management: Increasing business agility with Agile ALM
Increase business agility capabilities with Agile project management. Find tips and tools for Agile ALM best practices. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Feb 2014
Agile ALM tools have pitfalls to acknowledge
While venders only discuss the benefits of using Agile ALM tools, test expert Amy Reichert reveals the possible pitfalls. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2014
Agile and ALM: A marriage made in heaven?
Learn why developing Agile and ALM can benefit organizational processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2014
How Agile ALM tools shape business agility
Learn how Agile ALM tools can increase agility in businesses. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Dec 2013
Continuous software development lessons from Ancestry.com
Check out the six lessons Dr Seng lLin Shee learned as he upgraded Ancestry.com's technology and infrastructure in order to support continuous software delivery efforts. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Sep 2013
The risks of Agile software development: Overcoming feature creep
Ellen Gottesdiener, founder of EBG Consulting offers insights on managing feature creep, the biggest pitfall of Agile software development. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Sep 2013
Guiding principles for an automated software test
An expert in automated software testing offers guiding principles for succeeding at this most challenging of QA projects. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2013
SaaS application testing: Keep performance tests in mind
Performance testing must be a high priority for SaaS application testers. Learn why and pick up tips on how to test a SaaS system's performance. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2013
STAREAST 2013: Software testing news
Check out our coverage of STAREAST, the Software Testing Analysis and Review East Conference, for the latest trends and tips east of the Mississippi. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2013
Star Wars-themed ethics training
Take a satirical look at the facts behind the destruction of the Death Star and learn about the need for ethics training in software QA management. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2013
The Death Star Conspiracy as software testing ethics training
Take a satirical look at the facts behind the destruction of the Death Star and learn about the need for ethics training in software QA management. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2013
Scrum project management: Estimating with story points
Scrum project management expert Yvette Francino explains how teams use story points to estimate effort involved in developing a particular feature. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2013
A well-developed software requirements specification is easy to test
SearchSoftwareQuality expert Scott Sehlhorst discusses how to avoid writing a software requirements specification that is too vague to be tested. Continue Reading
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Video
08 Mar 2013
What's ailing enterprise software security management?
Enterprise application security testing means not only finding security vulnerabilities, but tracking them down and putting an end to them. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Mar 2013
Mobile ALM guide
This guide outlines common mobile ALM challenges and explores the various ways software professionals can meet and solve them. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2013
Mobile apps development: Defining requirements is a whole new ballgame
Software pros must address three critical issues in the requirements phase of mobile apps development: choosing a platform, security and usability. Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2013
Top ten mobile application threats to enterprise security
Check out the top ten threats presented by enterprise mobile applications, according to the OWASP Mobile Security Project. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2012
How to measure test progress: Every picture tells a story
Seeing the big picture when it comes managing the progress of your software tests may require putting together all the little picture pieces. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2012
How does the role of project manager change in the cloud?
Agile and ALM expert Yvette Francino discusses how the role of project manager may change when applications are developed and tested in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2012
Agile project management using the Cynefin framework
Learn how the Cynefin framework facilitates problem solving, Agile project management and teamwork. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2012
When to perform post-production testing
In some cases, testing post-production is needed, according to expert Pete Walen. He discusses the potential situations where post-production testing is helpful and what expectations we can have for performance testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2012
Security testing for unvalidated redirects and forwards
Security expert John Overbaugh gives security testers the information they need in order to ensure the Web application code that they’re responsible for is protected. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2012
Integration testing: What are the challenges?
Expert Pete Walen describes common problems with integration testing and offers insights into implementing it correctly, so that both internal and external users can benefit. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Mar 2012
Exploring integration testing in the Agile development lifecycle
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explores the various meanings and offers tips to testers on how to work integration testing into the Agile development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2012
Streamlining user acceptance testing (UAT) with Agile
Organizations that implement successful user acceptance testing can greatly reduce errors and business risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Agile testing quadrants: Guiding managers and teams in test strategies
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains the four Agile testing quadrants and how they can guide managers and development teams in creating a test strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Dec 2011
SoftwareQuality Tutorial Mega Menu: Software Test Professionals Conference Fall 2011
Software Test Professionals Conference Fall 2011 Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Dec 2011
SoftwareQuality Tutorial Mega Menu: Software testing and ALM: A cloud computing guide
Software testing and ALM: A cloud computing guide Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2011
Reg Menu Link Quality metrics: A guide to measuring software quality
reg menu link Quality metrics: A guide to measuring software quality Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2011
Defect tracking: Lean principles for getting the right data at the right time
In this tip, author Paul E. McMahon describes how Lean principles can be used to help determine when defect tracking is appropriate for your organization and what type of data is important to collect. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Nov 2011
Load testing and performance testing with JMeter: Tutorial
JMeter, a free open source load testing tool, is straightforward to use and supports several programming languages, including HTTP/HTTPS, SOAP, JDBC, LDAP and JMS. In the following set of informative tips, expert Mike Kelly explores the capabilities of JMeter and breaks down its use into a step-by-step approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2011
Participating in conferences and workshops: What will I learn?
When attending classes, conference and workshops, attendees may have unrealistic expectations of what they will gain, or how they will learn useful information. Expert Peter Walen offers some tips on how to actively participate in the learning process and make the most of educational opportunities. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Sep 2011
Exploratory testing and regression testing in continuous integration
Expert Lisa Crispin explains how and when to implement exploratory testing, automated regression testing and manual regression tests in an Agile development environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2011
The whole-team approach to Agile development: Examples and benefits
Lisa Crispin continues in this second tip in the series by giving real-life examples and benefits gained from practicing the whole-team approach on Agile development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2011
Agile software development: Tips for writing testable user stories
Testing pressures are always high on Agile projects. In this article we explore some of the ways adding clarity to stories can help make testing easier for all parties involved. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2011
Tools and techniques for tracking changes to software requirements
In this tip, requirements expert Sue Burk explains different techniques and tools that can be used to track changes to the requirement itself as well as changes to the attributes of the requirement. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2011
Regression vs. risk-based testing: Managing complexity
In this tip, consultant Vasudeva Naidu describes in detail the steps necessary to implement risk-based testing in your organization to ensure your regression test strategy is solid and successful. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2011
Managing change requests to your application
In this tip, we look at end user requests, and the process to prioritize the requests for IT, so they know where to focus their work efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2011
Application security: Protecting application availability, data confidentiality and integrity
Network security and application security are both important in keeping your applications safe from hackers. In this tip, security engineer John Overbaugh focuses on application security, which is needed to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of your application and its data. Learn more about various areas of security that need to be considered when designing secure applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Mar 2011
Understanding the dependencies between requirements in a Scrum environment
Prioritizing user stories for each iteration in a Scrum environment can be challenging if the project owner does not understand the dependencies between requirements. In this expert response, Lisa Crispin shares best practices for prioritizing user stories based on requirement dependencies. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2011
How user stories help to define software requirements
User stories play an important role when defining requirements and they also contribute to living documentation during the software development process. In this expert response, Lisa Crispin offers key practices for ensuring that requirements align with user stories and that user stories are accurate. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2011
Mapping software requirements to test cases
Even though you must have at least one test case per requirement, it's possible not to have a one-to-one mapping between each requirement and test case. In this response, expert Sue Burk explains how it is important to trace the relationship between requirements and the tests that verify them whether the relationship is one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-many. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Mar 2011
Tracking changes to requirements in Agile development
All development teams need to track requirements changes, but depending on the software development lifecycle and overall ALM process, the best approach to change tracking may not be the same across the board. In this response, expert Mike Jones explains how Agile teams can best integrate change tracking into their development process. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2011
Attracting the right Agile software developers
A lot of software development job candidates will claim to have Agile skills, but are they just throwing around buzzwords? In this tip, consultant Catherine Powell will help you find the qualified candidates who live out the values and practices of Agile in their daily work. Read more for ideas of how to attract Agile candidates and ensure those you hire will fit well on your Agile team. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2011
Embedded software testing: Five messaging event styles
In testing embedded systems, timing can often cause trouble. In this tip, consultant Scott Allman describes the five different types of event styles that can occur when two events are executed. A good test plan will cover each of those event styles by executing the conditions to create the different styles and then checking for appropriate messaging. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Feb 2011
How to gain acceptance of organizational change
Any organizational change can meet with internal resistance. In this response, SSQ Site Editor Yvette Francino offers advice on how to win buy-in from those affected through honest communication and continuous improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2011
Manual testing vs. automated testing: A decision point
Automation in a test environment can be expensive and doesn’t always yield a high return. In fact, a high percentage of automation efforts fail. In this tip, Vasudeva Naidu gives advice on key factors that will lead to success in your automation initiative. Naidu describes the history of automation in test, including reasons leading to failure. Done well, and augmented by manual tests, automation can prove instrumental to a successful test effort. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2011
Waterfall vs. Agile development: A case study
Two projects very similar in scope were executed by the same project team for the same users. The first project used a waterfall methodology and resulted in missed deadlines and failure to deliver user requirements. The second used an Agile methodology, and while there were initial problems with the learning curve, the project was a resounding success. Read on to find out more about the projects, what worked and what didn't. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jan 2011
Agile ALM tools: How they differ from traditional lifecycle management tools
Software consultant Nari Kannan describes the differences between agile application lifecycle management (ALM) tools and traditional lifecycle management software. Agile ALM tools are more tightly integrated, easier to use, supportive to distributed teams and seamlessly integrated into many of the traditional lifecycle management functions. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Jan 2011
Test automation for your team: How to begin
Initiating test automation on your project team may seem challenging, or even overwhelming. Fortunately, expert Karen Johnson has been through this process and has some insights into how to best begin. She offers some questions you can ask of your team, a list of common errors to avoid, and general advice on how to make this new process pay off. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2011
Specialized testing for your enterprise application
In this tip, Judith Myerson describes examples of five types of testing for your enterprise applications: cloud testing, user acceptance testing, modular testing, agile testing and incremental testing. Myerson gives a brief overview of each type of testing, explaining the appropriateness and benefits of these types of specialized testing efforts. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jan 2011
Application development for mobile phones: Testing across different devices
New mobile phone models enter the market all the time, and it seems daunting to perform application testing on the various devices available. Expert Karen Johnson carefully examines the factors developers must consider and offers strategies on how to most effectively conduct application testing to ensure usability across as many mobile devices as possible. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Dec 2010
Functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements in software engineering explained
Clearly defining both functional and nonfunctional requirements in software engineering projects is important from both a business perspective and a performance perspective. In this expert response, Sue Burk offers definitions and examples for both functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2010
Eight steps for a successful software release
Have you done everything to prepare for a successful software release? Software project manager Kay Diller describes eight things you can do to ensure your deployment will go smoothly. From creating your team to being prepared with a back-out plan, Diller steps you through important considerations covering all aspects of the project. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2010
Software retest, regression, smoke and sanity testing: What's the difference?
Understanding the nuances between different types of test efforts can be a challenge. In this expert response, Karen Johnson explains what is meant by retesting, regression testing, smoke testing and sanity testing. Find out the purpose of these types of tests and a few other terms that some organizations use for testing efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2010
Applying lean concepts to software testing
If we're going to use a factory analogy for software development, shouldn't we at least study the techniques modern factories use? In this tip, software quality expert Matt Heusser describes concepts used first for lean manufacturing, which are now being applied to software development and software testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2010
What is a test case? What is a requirement?
After exploring the definition of a test case by surveying test experts, authors and students, consultant Robin Goldsmith learns that interpretations remain ambiguous and varied. Similarly, the level of detail thought to be needed to define requirements can vary and can often drive the level of detail of the test efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2010
Inadequate requirements and what to do about them
Software requirements are often subjective and poorly written resulting in inadequate requirements documentation. In this tip, QA Director John Scarpino describes some of the reasons behind poor requirements and ways that this can be addressed. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2010
Strategies for minimizing regression defects
Regression defects, those unexpected defects that result from a fix of another defect, are often the most challenging to find and fix. Expert John Overbaugh describes why these defects are so challenging and offers up techniques, such as automation and reviews, to help minimize regression defects. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Jul 2010
Differences in Agile and traditional software project management
In this expert response, some of the differences between project management in traditional environments and agile environments are explained. One of the biggest differences is the flexibility of scope changes that is welcomed in agile environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2010
The importance of critical thinking in software test
Even though there are numerous definitions for the term "software testing," there is common ground. Testers need to use critical thinking skills when diving into the testing of a software application. In this tip, expert Chris McMahon explains ways for testers to increase test coverage, use proven approaches and determine which aspects of testing fit in and where. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 May 2010
What does "change management" mean in software development and QA?
Change management, sometimes called configuration management, has a few different meanings in the software development community, from team changes to code changes, explains expert Yvette Francino. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2010
Six tours for exploratory testing the business district of your application
Exploratory testing is sometimes thought to be "directionless testing", but James Whitaker's new book suggests that exploratory testing, is more structured than it is credited for. Exploratory testing is filled with numerous tours or testing protocol, which dictate where problems might occur and where to find them and eliminate them. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2010
A software expert's heuristic for regression testing
Often, regression testing is what stands between a product in a test lab versus a product in the hands of our users – so we don't want to take longer than we need – but we don't want to haphazardly release a product before its ready. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Feb 2010
Scrum Master or Scrum project management, is there a difference?
A Scrum Master is commonly mistaken for a project manager who works in a Scrum environment. Learn what distinguishes a Scrum Master in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2010
Using Fist of Five, Planning Poker to reach Agile team consensus
In these tips, consensus-building tools such as Fist of Five and Planning Poker are introduced. Even when these tools are used, the team must decide how they are going to handle a stale-mate condition and move forward on decisions. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2010
Why use POST vs. GET to keep applications secure
Although POST and GET HTTP requests essentially perform the same command on a Web server, a security expert says there are inherent dangers in using one over the other. Learn why one type of processing request provides more security for your Web application in this expert tip. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
What are the pros and cons of centralizing a QA or software test team?
Is it better to centralize a test team or have testers paired organizationally with developers? There can be advantages to either approach. This expert response examines some considerations and an alternative that will allow your quality team to work effectively with either model. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
Who determines the appropriate severity or priority for a defect?
There are often differences of opinion on the definition of severity or priority of a defect. The bottom line is determining when and if the defect will be fixed. Factors that need to be considered are customer urgency and time required to fix and test. This strategy takes into account needs of the customer, the developer and the tester. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2010
Nine ways to evaluate automated software testing tools
Evaluate automated software testing tools more thoroughly with these tips for analyzing cost, support, total cost of ownership, usability and more. This tip suggests questions to ask about each attribute of a tool and a vendor's support for it. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Oct 2009
Problems caused by skipping analysis stage of SDLC
A requirements expert explains the possible pitfalls of skipping the analysis phase in the software life cycle development (SDLC). Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2009
Calculating mean time to failure in performance testing
Calculating MTTF (mean time to failure) can be a difficult for testers in order to develop a performance test pass as there are multiple steps. This expert tip will guide you through process, Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2009
Winning responses to "Why is QA always the bottleneck?"
Executives are notorious for criticizing QA and test pros, often labeling them as the "bottleneck" of software projects. Learn appropriate responses to upper management's unfair and difficult inquiries in this useful tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Sep 2009
Defining report requirements with use cases
This tip offers a new and interesting way to go about defining and reporting requirements for use cases. There are a number of details that need to be attended to in defining requirements such as taking a look at users and then constructing use cases. Continue Reading