Not long ago, we read in the science journals how Artificial Intelligence is coming of age. Today we have interactive bots that mimic human behavior on Internet Forums. Of course, those on Internet Forums do not wish to be tricked and ask; “Why Would Anyone Create an Interactive Bot to Be Used on Internet Forums?”
This was seen as a major break through in the development world, but one which has not been replicated to my knowledge in the testing arena. When we write a manual test script, we write it in a manner which is long hand. So how many times have we written scripts to test VAT calculations?
Estimation is an art form at the best of times, depending on the experience of the test manager, the stage of engagement in the software development life-cycle and many other considerations. Different organizations will have different expectations and it is important to understand this as a key consideration.
This is the stress (no pun intended), of the test execution phase. Not only are you now required to think out of the box in order to complete the testing, but you must also be thinking at a far wider level than just testing. There are actions that can be taken at a project level which can make a massive difference to the work of the testers.
As a tester I am often asked why we can’t test in live. There are so many positives that can be gained from it that it surely makes sense. After all, the environment is exactly the same as live, the data is real and the volume of users and traffic is real.