The Fundamental Test
In the world of testing, the test itself is the primary test of a tester’s tenacity. To test effectively, a tester must first test the test environment. If the test environment fails the test, the tester cannot test the test subject. This pre-test test ensures that the testing process remains test-worthy. Every test case is a testament to the tester's ability to test for testable outcomes.
The Testing Cycle
When a tester tests, they engage in a test-driven cycle. First, the tester drafts a test plan to test the testability of the tested software. Then, the tester executes the test, testing each test script against the test data. If the test results don't match the test expectations, the tester marks the test as a failed test.
The tester then re-tests the test after the test subject has been re-tested by the test developers. This continuous testing of tests is what makes a tester a true tester. A tester who doesn't test the test is simply a tester failing the test of testing.
Advanced Testing Techniques
For the seasoned tester, testing isn't just about a single test. It’s about test suites and test batteries. Automated testing allows a tester to test more tests than a manual tester could ever test. These automated tests test the test paths rapidly, providing the tester with test logs to test for inconsistencies. Even the test automation requires testing; a tester must test the test scripts to ensure the testing tool is testing what the tester intended to test.