In this episode - Testing, Testing, 2...1...3, Stu Day is joined by the first ever podcast guest to discuss their experiences in the software testing industry and how their perspectives on testing have evolved over time.

They delve into the importance of exploring and questioning in testing, as well as the need to gather and interpret information to make informed decisions. They also cover the importance of culture in quality engineering and the challenges of balancing people, process, and tools in testing.

The conversation highlights the holistic nature of testing and the continuous learning and adaptation required in the field. The conversation explores the myths around testing and whether testing can equal quality.

Takeaways:

1. Testing is not just about finding defects in software, but also about gathering information and interpreting it to make informed decisions.
2. The role of testing has evolved to include exploring and questioning, as well as testing the delivery process and company culture.
2. Quality engineering involves accelerating the achievement of shippable quality and focusing on the people, process, and tools involved.
4. Tools are valuable in testing, but it's important to prioritise understanding the problem being solved before relying on them.
5. The software testing industry requires continuous learning and adaptation to keep up with evolving perspectives and practices.
6. Testing is a tool to help identify if expectations and standards have been met, but it does not guarantee quality.
7. Interpreting the information gathered from testing and considering broader aspects of quality is important.
8. Quality is subjective and can vary based on individual needs and perspectives. Testing is just one part of a holistic approach to quality.
9. Meaningful data is crucial for testing to contribute to quality.
10. Great testing provides useful, timely, and actionable information.
11. An empowered team is necessary to make meaningful decisions based on testing.
12. Asking questions, making assumptions, and gathering feedback are important for good quality testing

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Special Guest
02:56 - Thanking Listeners and Updates
08:01 - Personal Updates and Recent Experiences
11:59 - Longstanding Friendship and Professional Journey
16:01 - Evolution of Testing Perspectives
22:58 - Holistic Approach to Testing
25:56 - Balancing People, Process, and Tools
27:11 - Debunking Testing Myths
30:26 - Testing vs. Quality
39:18 - Examples of Testing and Quality
48:43 - The Role of Testing in Quality
55:14 - The Role of Testing in a Holistic Approach to Quality
57:25 - The Importance of Meaningful Data in Testing
57:55 - Characteristics of Great Testing
01:00:15 - The Role of an Empowered Team in Quality Testing
01:06:03 - The Value of Asking Questions and Gathering Feedback in Testing