Why test?
I'm a software testing consultant and contractor, specialising in the testing of commercial software applications including web and mobile applications.
"Why test?" may seem like a strange question, but some IT organisations still consider testing to be a marginalised component of the software development lifecycle.
Benefits of structured testing
Introducing a structured approach to testing can bring many benefits to a project, not just to the testing phase, but to all phases of the software development lifecycle, including:
- Reduced business risk
- Improved overall quality of software
- Improved development and testing process
- Improved change management
- Fewer defects in software
Why you need a testing specialist
Good testing is much more than simply running a few quick checks before a piece of software is released. A well-organised testing project demands a level of commitment that cannot usually be obtained from a non-dedicated resource, and as a minimum, should involve:
- A planned and controlled testing process
- A structured approach to selecting test conditions
- Proven techniques for designing test cases
- Procedures for checking results
- Procedures for evaluating completion criteria
- A means of reporting progress and closure
Learn more
If you're new to the concept of structured testing, read my article on how testing helps. Browse a complete list in my archives or check out my glossary of testing terms.