Software testing is a critical stage in software development that ensures that a program meets required specifications and is free of bugs. In this handbook, Cem Kaner and James Bach, two of the world's leading testing experts help you avoid testing errors without the trial and error it normally takes to do so.

Lessons. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgments. The Role of the Tester. Thinking Like a Tester. Testing Techniques. Bug Advocacy. Automating Testing. Documenting Testing. Interacting with Programmers. Managing the Testing Project. Managing the Testing Group. Your Career in Software Testing. Planning the Testing Strategy. Appendix: The Context-Driven Approach to Software Testing. Bibliography. Index.

"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 Timely. Practical. Reliable. Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/

"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)

"...part of a rare breed of informative books which are both accessible to beginners whilst still being of great use to experts. No matter how much you know about software testing, Kaner, Bach and Pettiford still have a few lessons to teach you..." (M2 Communications, 7 June 2002)

Lessons. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgments. The Role of the Tester. Thinking Like a Tester. Testing Techniques. Bug Advocacy. Automating Testing. Documenting Testing. Interacting with Programmers. Managing the Testing Project. Managing the Testing Group. Your Career in Software Testing. Planning the Testing Strategy. Appendix: The Context-Driven Approach to Software Testing. Bibliography. Index.