In the fast-paced world of software development, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of new tools and trends, often neglecting the power of foundational principles. However, it’s crucial to recognize that our fundamentals serve as the bedrock upon which we build our expertise and credibility. They act as our trusted companions, helping us navigate through the labyrinth of complexities and uncertainties that come with testing software.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the invaluable wisdom embedded in the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” It is this essence that I strive to embody in my testing philosophy, constantly refining and simplifying my approach to ensure that my fundamentals remain robust and unwavering.
Early on in my career, I was like an eager explorer, diving headfirst into the dynamic realm of software testing without a clear compass. While I had the technical knowledge and the enthusiasm to unravel the intricacies of the software landscape, I often found myself navigating through complex projects without a sturdy framework to rely on. My experiences were akin to a rollercoaster ride, with moments of success and lessons learned from failures.
In essence, the true art of software testing lies in mastering our fundamentals. They are not just a set of rules but a manifestation of our experiences, learnings, and dedication to delivering excellence. As we continue to embrace the ever-evolving landscape of software testing, let us never underestimate the power of having our fundamentals right – for they are the cornerstone of our success in this dynamic and challenging field.
I’ve recently been asked about my 2 cents of wisdom that I want to share with my fellow testers who are just starting out or to my younger self.
While on spotlight my answer was to practice this craft, I later pondered about this question and the result is this post.
To the young tester, practice might be a vague word.
What to practice?
Where to practice?
Where and how to start testing?
What is right and what is wrong?
And so many never-ending questions that pop-up..
I started creating this mind map after attending TribeQonf, a few months ago, with the wisdom pellets that I collected from Rob and Ajay. I revisited it multiple times, enhanced it, and shared it with my colleagues and friends for their feedback.
It took me a lot of time to refine my own set of fundamentals and heuristics that have become my guiding light in the intricate art of software testing.
I hope that these fieldstones that I have collected over time, which have helped me practice this craft, also help you in your testing endeavors.
As Jerry Weinberg once rightly said, “If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization.” This quote succinctly captures the essence of the meticulous attention and foundational understanding required in the realm of software testing. Let us not forget the importance of laying a strong foundation, for it is this very foundation that holds the key to success in our pursuit of software excellence.
