At a glance
3 days
NZD $2740 + GST
AUD $2585 inc GST
including in-house delivery.
Rapid Software Testing
Heuristic methods to constantly re-optimise testing to fit the needs of your clients
This MasterClass is personally delivered by James Bach (USA)
This class introduces you to rapid software testing, a complete testing methodology designed for a world of barely sufficient resources, information, and time. Based on the principles in the book Lessons Learned in Software Testing: a Context-Driven Approach, this class presents an approach to testing that begins with personal skill development and extends to the ultimate mission of software testing: lighting the way of the project by evaluating the product.
The philosophy of rapid testing presented in this class is not like traditional approaches to testing, which ignore the ‘thinking’ part of testing and instead advocate never-ending paperwork. Products have become too complex for that, and testers are too expensive. Rapid testing uses a cyclic approach and heuristic methods to constantly re-optimise testing to fit the needs of your clients. Rapid testing isn’t just testing with a sense of urgency, it’s mission-focussed testing that eliminates unnecessary work, assures that everything necessary gets done, and constantly asks what testing can do to speed up the project as a whole.
One important tool of rapid testing we will cover is the discipline of exploratory testing – essentially a testing martial art. Exploratory testing combines test design and test execution into one process that finds a lot of problems quickly. If you are an experienced tester, you’ll find out how to articulate those intellectual processes of testing that you already practice intuitively. If you’re a new tester, hands-on testing exercises help you gain critical experience.
About the instructor
James is an ardent opponent of standards such as CMM and an advocate of the context-driven, also called "good enough," approach to software practice. Through his work in exploratory and heuristic processes, James aims to help individuals involved with software answer the questions "What 
am I doing here?" and "What should I do now?"
James began his career in Silicon Valley, focusing on market-driven software development. He has worked at Apple Computer, Borland, and several consulting companies. In 1999, he designed a formalised intuitive testing process, the General Functionality and Stability Test Procedure, for the Microsoft Windows 2000 Application Certification programme.
To register for the 2-day version of this course scheduled in Adelaide, on the 27-28 May, call us on 1800 145 152 or email us at 
Intended For
Any tester, test manager, developer, or anyone else who is interested in learning how good testers think. The course is specifically designed so that there is something for people at all levels of development. Novice testers are welcome.
Prerequisites
Nil
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- Concise, universal heuristics and models for instant test design.
- Tackle any product or product idea instantly.
- Analyse a test heuristic or practice.
- Test despite ambiguous or missing specifications.
- Deal with overwhelming complexity or confusion.
- Know when to stop or suspend the test process.
- Prepare and deliver an impromptu test report.
Content
What is Rapidity and How Does it Relate to Thoroughness and Rigour?
Key Idea: Think Like a Scientist
- Epistemology, the study of knowledge
- Technique: abductive inference
- Technique: conjecture and refutation
- Testing is about asking questions
- Testers distinguish inferences from observations
- Testers use heuristics
Key Idea: Know Your Coverage and Oracles
- The universal test procedure
- Rapid modelling
- A universal heuristic testing model
- Seven big problems of testing
- Rapid oracles
Key Idea: Use Exploratory Testing to Find Bugs Fast
- The internal structure of exploratory testing
- Blending exploratory and scripted testing
- Note taking and test documentation
- High accountability ET with session-based test management
- The plunge in and quit heuristic
- The no questions heuristic
Key Idea: Focus on the Bugs that Matter
- Quick testing vs. coverage-based testing vs. risk-based testing
- Risk-based test management vs. risk-based test design
- Heuristic risk analysis
Key Idea: Run Crisp Test Cycles
- Test cycle heuristics: “test all scopes” and “test right now”
- How to work with developers so they go faster and support testing better
- Test cycle convergence and stopping heuristics
- Rapid bug investigation
- Reporting your status responsibly
Key Idea: use a Diversified Test Strategy
- How to evolve a test strategy
- Test strategy heuristics
- Contrasting test techniques
- Rapid test automation
Key Idea: Make Sure Your Testing Fits the Project
- Context-driven test methodology
- The “good enough” model
- Good enough testing with the context model
- The missions of testing
- Testability
Exercises
- Test the Mysterious Sphere
- Wason Selection Task
- Test the Famous Triangle
- Test Cases for a Calendar
- Test This Dialog Box
- Find a Particular Bug
- Use Exploratory Modeling on a Small App
- Find an Oracle for Font Size
- Discover the Role of Repetition in Test Strategy
- Report the Completeness of Testing
- Exploratory Testing with Playing Cards
Method Used
This course relies heavily upon discussion and exercises. Participants will have shared use of workstations for the hands-on exercises.
Testimonials
"James is an excellent presenter. World class, very inspirational, thought provoking."
Rick Van Kuyk, National Australia Bank.
"What a wonderful experience to be taught by THE MASTER James Bach. Also worthy of note are the great course notes and the references throughout to other useful resources."
Beverly Kelly, Redland Shire Council.
