Lessons Learned in Software Testing

Decades of software testing experience condensed into the most important lessons learned.

The world's leading software testing experts lend you their wisdom and years of experience to help you avoid the most common mistakes in testing software. Each lesson is an assertion related to software testing, followed by an explanation or example that shows you the how, when, and why of the testing lesson. More than just tips, tricks, and pitfalls to avoid, Lessons Learned in Software Testing speeds you through the critical testing phase of the software development project without the extensive trial and error it normally takes to do so. The ultimate resource for software testers and developers at every level of expertise, this guidebook features:
Over 200 lessons gleaned from over 30 years of combined testing experience
Tips, tricks, and common pitfalls to avoid by simply reading the book rather than finding out the hard way
Lessons for all key topic areas, including test design, test management, testing strategies, and bug reporting
Explanations and examples of each testing trouble spot help illustrate each lesson's assertion

“"If testing is something that is going to be an important part of your career buy this book and read it carefully." (CVu Jnl of the Association C & C++ Users, February 2002) "...a real gem for me, this book is one that I shall find useful each and every test department should have several copies available...be prepared to be inspired, or at the very least to have your ideas challenged..." (Professional Tester, September 2002) "...a refreshing and enjoyable book it will not be 'shelfware', but a wellused reference..." (Software Testing, Verification & Reliability, March 2003) "...will make fascinating reading highly recommended..." (CVu, Dec 03)”

"If testing is something that is going to be an important part of your career buy this book and read it carefully." (CVu - Jnl of the Association C & C++ Users, February 2002)

"...a real gem?for me, this book is one that I shall find useful?each and every test department should have several copies available...be prepared to be inspired, or at the very least to have your ideas challenged..." (Professional Tester, September 2002)

"...a refreshing and enjoyable book?it will not be 'shelf-ware', but a well-used reference..." (Software Testing, Verification & Reliability, March 2003)

"...will make fascinating reading?highly recommended..." (CVu, Dec 03)

CEM KANER, JD, PhD, is a professor of computer sciences at Florida Institute of Technology. He also consults on technical and management issues, and practices law within the software development community. He is the lead author of two books, Testing Computer Software and Bad Software (both from Wiley).
JAMES BACH is founder and principal consultant of Satisfice, Inc., a software testing and quality assurance company. His experience with competitive software development in leading Silicon Valley companies, such as Apple and Borland, led him to specialize in such aspects of the craft as "good enough" quality, risk-based testing, exploratory testing, and other techniques that require skill and judgment. He has also served as Chief Scientist at Software Testing Labs.
BRET PETTICHORD works as an independent consultant and edits the popular Software Testing Hotlist at A frequent speaker and writer, he is also the founder of the Austin Workshop on Test Automation.

"A fresh, provocative look at what goes on in the ‘real world’ of software testing–guaranteed to make you rethink most of your assumptions and traditional ‘theories’ of how testing really ought to be done."

–Ed Yourdon

"Any one of these tiny lessons could be worth the price of the book."

–Tom DeMarco, Principal, The Atlantic Systems Guild

Great software testing teams aren’t born, they’re made–through a lot of hard work and persuasive communication. Along the way, there is an abundance of traps that one can fall into, which can derail the best-laid plans and put your projects behind schedule.

Cem Kaner, James Bach, and Bret Pettichord know this all too well. Between them, they have over fifty years of testing experience, and know what it takes for successful testing. In this groundbreaking new book, they have compiled 293 pieces of experience-tested advice for you to put to work in your testing projects. They reveal insights on how to do the job well, how to manage it, and how to steer clear of common misunderstandings in software testing. Each lesson is an assertion related to software testing, followed by an explanation or example that shows you the how, when, and why of the testing lesson.

The ultimate resource for software testers, developers, and managers at every level of expertise, this guidebook also features:

• Useful practices and helpful ways of evaluating situations gleaned from over fifty years of combined testing experience from the world’s leading software testing experts
• Lessons for all key topic areas including test design, test automation, test management, testing strategies, and bug reporting
• Advice on how to match the selection of practices to the circumstances of your project

Wiley Computer Publishing

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Visit our Web site at

"A fresh, provocative look at what goes on in the real world of software testing-guaranteed to make you rethink most of your assumptions and traditional theories of how testing really ought to be done." -Ed Yourdon "Any one of these tiny lessons could be worth the price of the book." -Tom DeMarco, Principal, The Atlantic Systems Guild Great software testing teams arent born, theyre made-through a lot of hard work and persuasive communication. Along the way, there is an abundance of traps that one can fall into, which can derail the best-laid plans and put your projects behind schedule. Cem Kaner, James Bach, and Bret Pettichord know this all too well. Between them, they have over fifty years of testing experience, and know what it takes for successful testing. In this groundbreaking new book, they have compiled 293 pieces of experience-tested advice for you to put to work in your testing projects. They reveal insights on how to do the job well, how to manage it, and how to steer clear of common misunderstandings in software testing. Each lesson is an assertion related to software testing, followed by an explanation or example that shows you the how, when, and why of the testing lesson. The ultimate resource for software testers, developers, and managers at every level of expertise, this guidebook also features: Useful practices and helpful ways of evaluating situations gleaned from over fifty years of combined testing experience from the worlds leading software testing experts Lessons for all key topic areas including test design, test automation, test management, testing strategies, and bug reporting Advice on how to match the selection of practices to the circumstances of your project Wiley Computer Publishing Timely. Practical. Reliable. Visit our Web site at

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