Object Mentor Blog: Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme.

Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme.

Uncle Bob — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:18:00 -0500

James Bach gave a stirring keynote today at ACCU 2010. He described a vision of testing that our industry sorely needs. Towit: Testing requires sapience.

Testing, according to Bach, is not about assuring conformance to requirements; rather it is about understanding the requirements. Even that’s not quite right. It is not sufficient to simply understand and verify the requirements. A good tester uses the behavior of the system and the descriptions in the requirements, (and face-to-face interaction with the authors of both) to understand the motivation behind the system. Ultimately it is the tester’s job to divine the system that the customer imagined; and then to illuminate those parts of the system that are not consistent with that imagination.

It seems to me that James is attempting to define “professionalism” as it applies to testing. A professional tester does not blindly follow a test plan. A professional tester does not simply write test plans that reflect the stated requirements. Rather a professional tester takes responsibility for interpreting the requirements with intelligence. He tests, not only the system, but also (and more importantly) the assumptions of the programmers, and specifiers.

I like this view. I like it a lot. I like the fact that testers are seeking professionalism in the same way that developer are. I like the fact that testing is becoming a craft, and that people like James are passionate about that craft. There may yet be hope for our industry!

There has been a long standing frission between James’ view of testing and the Agile emphasis on TDD and automated tests. Agilists have been very focussed on creating suites of automated tests, and exposing the insanity (and inanity) of huge manual testing suites. This focus can be (and has been) misinterpreted as an anti-tester bias.

It seems to me that professional testers are completely compatible with agile development. No, that’s wrong. I think professional testers are utterly essential to agile development. I don’t want testers who rotely execute brain-dead manual test plans. I want testers using their brains! I want testers to be partners in the effort to create world-class, high-quality software. As a professional developer I want – I need – professional testers helping me find my blind spots, illuminating the naivete of my assumptions, and partnering with me to satisfy the needs of our customers.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by df201

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:48 -0600

In the United States the judge of Egypt detailed evidence, and others.

http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/ Foreign non-governmental organization is manipulating the Egypt postrevolutionary political, two Egypt the judge said on Wednesday, in the latest signal, Egypt will not give up an investigation has affected the relationship of an American strong security cooperation partners in the Middle East.

The first investigation since the summer, the judge detailed survey a body of evidence, including caught map, video and cash, they said contains 43 civil-society workers, including at least 16 people, in ACTS not exact political subterfuge http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/.

In Washington on Wednesday, the U.S. state department spokesman said, the United States Victoria Nuland worry about the effect of the investigation, “including our relationship has the ability to provide assistance, we plan on it… support Egypt democracy transition process, and the traditional assistance, we provide security purposes. We don’t want that to happen http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/.”;

Activists and ngo workers say, Egypt’s ruling military commission has scapegoated non-governmental organization violent protest has made of Egypt for one year transition to democracy.

Americans work target four non-governmental organizations, all has the close relation, congress and operating almost entirely on congress financing. In addition to the IRI Mr Lahoud, Egypt’s prosecutors are investigating the national democratic institute, freedom house and the international center for journalists http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by kobvnf rsk

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:07:17 -0600

Hey many time I visited your site and every time I got a very good information in your site.I just say its really very helps full for me.Thanks for sharing this information………

Addicted To Alcohol

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Kiiwo

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:16:40 -0600

It is so lucky to read your blog,it is full of useful message.I wish we both can do better in the future.It great honor if you can visit our website,and give us some suggestion.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Addiction Recovery Program

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:20:18 -0600

It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by before2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:48:45 -0600

By setting up the contempt of Egypt 19 American judge criminal charges

http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/Egypt’s military-led the government said Sunday that it would put 19 americans and 22 court a political criminal investigation foreign fund non-profit groups have shaken the 30 years of alliance from the United States and Egypt.

The words and deeds of criminal procedure is Washington in the face of increasingly stern warnings to Egypt’s ruling generals, President Obama cabinet officials and senior congressional leaders may threaten the U.S. aid expected this year of $1.55 billion, including $1.3 billion for the military. But for Washington, revoke the aid risk service tie, 30 years to restrain the United States, Israel and Egypt alliance ”, an uneasy American support area the cornerstone of order http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/.

Americans face criminal charges including Sam Emile lahoud, director of the institute of republican Egypt operation. His son is ray lahood, the secretary of transportation and from Illinois, a former republican Congressman.

Egypt’s foreign ministry officials said, Sue outside of judicial material control. But the government, including the prosecutor, is directly under the authority of military committee. Survey is also associated with the escalating anti-american statements from the Egyptian government is not that Washington has been distributing cash riots streets. Some state news media, but unnamed sources, there are reports that, an organization of the foreign employee to pay-financed illiteracy join protests.

Western diplomats often see the Egyptian government before to public doubts in the home found it expedient to rally support and Washington by stoking disagreement, although its financial composition, here because it is deeply disgusted support for Israel and the invasion of Iraq http://www.cheapbeatdbydrdre.com/.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Drug Rehab Treatment Center

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:08:21 -0600

Very nice post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thank you

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by oriahd5

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:35:31 -0600

It is really help to us. Its give us lots of interest and pleasure. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. Its really a good article. It gives me lots of pleasure and interest.

Alcohol Drug Treatment

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by oriahd5

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:34:58 -0600

It is really help to us. Its give us lots of interest and pleasure. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. Its really a good article. It gives me lots of pleasure and interest.

Alcohol Drug Treatment

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Substance Abuse Intervention

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:25:28 -0600

The guidelines you have given here are incredibly useful. It had been such a pleasurable surprise to have that awaiting me when I woke up now. They are continually to the point and simple to interpret. Thank you so much for the thoughtful ideas you have shared here.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by oafjsa5

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:15:42 -0600

It is really help to us. Its give us lots of interest and pleasure. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. Its really a good article. It gives me lots of pleasure and interest.

Holistic Addiction Treatment

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Wilson Rackets

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:10:05 -0600

Not surprisingly, if taking part in occasionally when they can not! And so, let’s look at the problems regarding each and every return change.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Wilson Rackets

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:09:49 -0600

Not surprisingly, if taking part in occasionally when they can not! And so, let’s look at the problems regarding each and every return change.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Prince2

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:14:39 -0600

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Avioes a Venda

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:27:14 -0600

But this fall, designers rolled out a multitude of great wearable looks

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Professional Intervention

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:34:41 -0600

I’m experiencing an issue with your rss feed . Don’t know why I am not able to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thanks

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:48:02 -0600

Thank you for some other fantastic post. Exactly where else may possibly anybody get that kind of info in such an perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:24:44 -0600

Very nice post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thank you

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by orpqla4

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:55:54 -0600

One of the more impressive blogs Ive seen. Thanks so much for keeping the internet classy for a change. You’ve got style, class, bravado. I mean it. Please keep it up because without the internet is definitely lacking in intelligence.

Alcohol Interventions

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by oriwr5

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:05:15 -0600

I could tell how great you are in your field of interest. You could relate in each detail very well. Thank you for spending a time on sharing such informative writings to us. I will bookmark your page and looking forward to read some more of your writings soon.

Dual Diagnosis Programs

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by online docs

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:02:23 -0600

nice article…..it was so helpful to me….i like it…......

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by ythgb5

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:06:56 -0600

Analyze My Website

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by schuhesandy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:39:27 -0600

Now this time I visit many website and found many information but I think this is very important information all of us.I will sharing this information some other people.Thanks for published this information…

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Jordan Concord 11

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:49:50 -0600

555sql The longest road, step by step, also can go through, again a short road, not feet march cannot be reached.

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Microsoft Office 2010

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:58:40 -0600

This article is GREAT it can be EXCELLENT JOB and what a great tool!

"Sapient Testing: The "Professionalism" meme." by Polo Ralph Lauren Pas Cher

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:43:59 -0600

it is necessary to have a backup of the text message from your phone.