Better Software Magazine Archive:

May/June 2003

IN THIS ISSUE

Testing the Programs That Test Programs
By Linda Hayes

This edition warns of the trouble that comes when you start testing the programs that test programs. Next-generation tools could be just what your project needs. Linda Hayes explains the pros and cons of implementing such a solution.

The Care and Feeding of Testing Skills
By Elisabeth Hendrickson

It's a good idea to thoroughly study the bugs that have already been found in the software you're testing. It's even better if you study other people's bugs, too. Read on in this issue of Career Development as Elisabeth Hendrickson provides a helpful guide to continuous professional development.

A Look at the Perforce Version Control System
By Tom Tyler

Using the right tools for the job is always important; with tools that become components of your software production line, it is critical. Perforce is a version control system with ready hooks for integration into bug tracking systems. The author explains the advantages of using Perforce and why you should consider it for your team.

Get the Picture?
By Peter TerMaat

Peter TerMaat tells the story of a failing project and a chart that influenced a $2 million decision.

Configuration Bugs That Bite
By Kristy Hill
Mike Cohn

Bugs can creep in through the smallest crack. The problem may not necessarily be the testing, it might be your change management system. In this latest offering of Bug Report, the authors describe two techniques you can use on your project.

Security Testing by Steven Splaine
By Steven Splaine

For anyone involved in security testing, or for anyone who is just plain curious about this area of software testing, the following references will provide a good starting point for any effort that you might be asked to undertake. In this issue, Steven Splaine discusses this important aspect of software engineering.

Stuck in Neutral
By Esther Derby

Have you ever found yourself unable to get going on a project? Learn tips to help prevent this from happening to you and how to deal with it after it has happened. Esther Derby explains how she was able to move forward after being stuck.

Are You Ready?
By Michael Bolton

 A contractor or new employee is about to start work in your department. Have you paved the way for the new arrival to hit the job running? Check out this guide to make sure you've thought of everything.

The Product Champion: Making Sure that Customer, Team, and Business Needs Are Well Represented in the Development Process
By Linda Rising

Having a close relationship with the customer is always a good idea. But with that relationship comes risks. Most projects could use a knight in shining armor to protect their product's future. Discover how a product champion can help your organization stay focused on the customer without losing sight of the big picture.

Visual Requirements
By Becky Winant

Instead of wading through requirements documents, try drawing them instead. Learn about three simple diagrams and how to turn them quickly into valuable models. The diagrams presented here represent the most commonly used types for each of the three software dimension perspectives: data flow diagrams for function, class diagrams for information, and state transition diagrams for behavior.

Troubleshooting Risk-Based Testing
By James Bach

It's not easy to know the ways that a product might fail, determine how important the failures would be if they occurred, and then develop and excuse tests to discover whether or not the product would indeed fail in those ways. Renowned tester James Bach shares some of his tips for dealing with common risk-based testing obstacles.

A Small Matter of Metrics
By Dave W. Smith

Think you’re ready to launch your new metrics program? Think again. Find out how conducting a trial measurement program on yourself first can give you valuable insights and understanding. Learn about the value and limits of measurement, gain knowledge into why many software measurement efforts fail, and prepare yourself for launching a successful program.

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