Its funny how so many think that automation is the key to everything in test... the problem with this is that you cant just slot this in. Here are a few of many things to consider.
- Selection of the appropriate test automation tool.
- Time and cost to create the test scripting.
- Training of people in the use of the tool.
- Additional costs of maintaining the scripting.
With all the risks though do come a number of benefits.
- Faster regression testing.
- repeatable tests (while this is the case with manual often steps are not followed exactly.
- greater reliability
- many of the parts are reusable
- must be fully comprehensive to enable the scripting to function
Saturday 5 June 2010
Saturday 27 June 2009
Never as easy as it seems
In any organization there is what is best? what is right? and what actually happens.
What I have been seeing lately is alot of internal politics which seems to directly stand in the way of what everyone knows is right. Being who I am I stay out of it but this carries its issues. To be seen as suitable for a higher post within my organization I need to get involved in this politics directly.
This has just been a lesson to me to be clear to myself what I need from my job and to strive for that and not just doing my job well. Age old rule that you need to being already doing the job to get the job.
What I have been seeing lately is alot of internal politics which seems to directly stand in the way of what everyone knows is right. Being who I am I stay out of it but this carries its issues. To be seen as suitable for a higher post within my organization I need to get involved in this politics directly.
This has just been a lesson to me to be clear to myself what I need from my job and to strive for that and not just doing my job well. Age old rule that you need to being already doing the job to get the job.
Thursday 14 May 2009
Risk based testing..what is it?
As testers we use risk-based testing every day to ensure that project and product risks are are being identified and addressed. This is accomplished by drawing on the knowledge of business representatives, designers and testers to identify early any risks, establish focus areas to be tested and agree mitigating actions that can be taken to deal them.
These risks are then added into the Test Plan with the established level of risk. The risk level can be calculated by multiplying an estimated probability and impact, the estimated values should be approved by the stakeholders. These risks and their importance are regularly reviewed with stakeholders and mitigating actions to deal with those risks are identified. Testing activities are then targeted at the high risk areas first to prevent these risks being realized and minimize potential cost, quality and time implications.
These risks are then added into the Test Plan with the established level of risk. The risk level can be calculated by multiplying an estimated probability and impact, the estimated values should be approved by the stakeholders. These risks and their importance are regularly reviewed with stakeholders and mitigating actions to deal with those risks are identified. Testing activities are then targeted at the high risk areas first to prevent these risks being realized and minimize potential cost, quality and time implications.
Take a break..
It doesn't matter how good you are or how easy you take it some times you just need a break. Take the holiday step away from the plate and let the whole world come back into perspective. Sometimes it is good to remind yourself what your priorities are and while you are on holiday is a great time for that.
If you haven't guessed I am on holiday avoiding work and putting my feet up, Looking after my little girl. Nice to have the time to think why do I work and whats it all for.
All I say is .. If you are on holiday ENJOY IT!! save the worry of what is going on in work, for when you are in work. It is unlikely to go anywhere and you are not being paid for the worry.
If you haven't guessed I am on holiday avoiding work and putting my feet up, Looking after my little girl. Nice to have the time to think why do I work and whats it all for.
All I say is .. If you are on holiday ENJOY IT!! save the worry of what is going on in work, for when you are in work. It is unlikely to go anywhere and you are not being paid for the worry.
Thursday 30 April 2009
2 weeks work in 2 days
The software is late to test and needs to be sorted in 2 days and not the original 10. Something needs to give in order for the work to be completed on time and what is it? The example that I heard from a man 40 years in testing is this. If a 2 litre jug is the amount of work needed and a glass is the amount of time we have start pouring. It doesnt matter how much water you pour the water wont all fit in the glass.
With the testing what is needed is a test case, documenting what we are aiming at doing. If the time available is changed then the prioritization within the test case can be quickly utilised and the work done can be de-scoped. If we have tests that range from risk 1 - 9 then it might be that within 2 days we can only run the risk 9 tests, this can then be agreed as an acceptable approach with the stakeholders. It will mean that an informed decision can be made on whether the coverage provided is acceptable or not.
With the testing what is needed is a test case, documenting what we are aiming at doing. If the time available is changed then the prioritization within the test case can be quickly utilised and the work done can be de-scoped. If we have tests that range from risk 1 - 9 then it might be that within 2 days we can only run the risk 9 tests, this can then be agreed as an acceptable approach with the stakeholders. It will mean that an informed decision can be made on whether the coverage provided is acceptable or not.
Saturday 25 April 2009
Accessability testing pt .1
pt .1 - Blind or partially blind users
This is a really subjective thing to test and depends what you are looking at checking for. The main thing for web pages is to try using a magnifier and reader with your web pages and that way you will understand the issues that partially blind or fully blind users might encounter. Then you can look at making your site as easy for them to use as possible.
My recommendation to anyone looking at this area would be to view a website like www.bbc.co.uk with a reader first and then try some other sites. This will show how BBC do it right and how wrong some other sites get it.
This is a really subjective thing to test and depends what you are looking at checking for. The main thing for web pages is to try using a magnifier and reader with your web pages and that way you will understand the issues that partially blind or fully blind users might encounter. Then you can look at making your site as easy for them to use as possible.
My recommendation to anyone looking at this area would be to view a website like www.bbc.co.uk with a reader first and then try some other sites. This will show how BBC do it right and how wrong some other sites get it.
Monday 13 April 2009
Work to life balance.
Its a funny world and I am not sure that everyone gets the work to life balance right. To be brutally honest, Im not sure if even I get the work to life balance right. The world today leads people to work as hard as they can training body and mind to work like a machine. To be able to excel within your job you need to be better than those around you.
Whilst thinking about that it is important to consider that people need time out and arnt machines. Take a break, Let go! and allow your mind time to work through problems. Some of the best ideas and most complex problems I have resolved have been sorted when taking a break and not thinking about it. If you have an exam to cram for and something solid to learn burning the candle at both ends can help... this is not always the best thing for working.
Whilst thinking about that it is important to consider that people need time out and arnt machines. Take a break, Let go! and allow your mind time to work through problems. Some of the best ideas and most complex problems I have resolved have been sorted when taking a break and not thinking about it. If you have an exam to cram for and something solid to learn burning the candle at both ends can help... this is not always the best thing for working.
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