How We Test Software at Microsoft

by Alan Page, Ken Johnston

It may surprise you to learn that Microsoft employs as many software testers as developers. Less surprising is the emphasis the company places on the testing discipline and its role in managing quality across a diverse, 150+ product portfolio.

This book written by three of Microsoft s most prominent test professionals shares the best practices, tools, and systems used by the company s 9,000-strong corps of testers. Learn how your colleagues at Microsoft design and manage testing, their approach to training and career development, and what challenges they see ahead. Most important, you ll get practical insights you can apply for better results in your organization.

Discover how to: Design effective tests and run them throughout the product lifecycle Minimize cost and risk with functional tests, and know when to apply structural techniques Measure code complexity to identify bugs and potential maintenance issues Use models to generate test cases, surface unexpected application behavior, and manage risk Know when to employ automated tests, design them for long-term use, and plug into an automation infrastructure Review the hallmarks of great testers and the tools they use to run tests, probe systems, and track progress efficiently Explore the challenges of testing services vs. shrink-wrapped software

Genres: Technical, Programming, Software, Technology, Nonfiction, Computer Science

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2008

Reviews

[Karel Rymes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is good as an overview and it provides an interesting insight into how software is tested in Microsoft. The book's problem is that it does not look no further and puts Microsoft on a pedestal as the one way to do it.

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to software testing. It covers a lot of helpful practices that any tester can incorporate into their workflow. In general I feel the topics covered in the book apply to testing any type of software, web based or otherwise. Some items in the book are outdated, but that is the nature of publishing a book about computers. Additionally, the book paints Microsoft in a very positive light which one would expect given the title.

[Tom Delmonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for those that are interested in Software Testing and how it is performed at Microsoft.

[Robert Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, covers more than just testing. This is a must read for those in a quality assurance role, especially a leadership role.

[Alan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a little dated now, but some of the stuff still applies and is probably useful.

[Rvbd]

loaned to Arun

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every software tester should read this, whether junior or veteran.