Notes on testing, automation, and software craft.
I explore technology and how to build software that is reliable, safe, and affordable, quickly.
by Pete Houghton peterhoughton.com LinkedIn
Have you ever had to test an API that's accessible over the internet? or even one thats available internally within your organisation? They often take the form of a REST service (or similar) through which other software can easily access information in a machine readable form.…Have you ever had to test an API that's accessible over the internet? or even one thats available internally within… more »
I recently blogged about some of the tools I use, and how some are so useful I keep using them. As I mentioned, randomness is pretty useful, and I have tools to help me generate random text. A few of my readers requested a copy of my simple random text generating script, so I've…I recently blogged about some of the tools I use, and how some are so useful I keep using them. As I mentioned… more »
Consistency, is one thing I test for in software. For example, if software refers to something by a particular name, then [usually] it should always refer to it by that name. Furthermore, when it uses that name e.g. 'London Tube Map' I would expect to see such a map, when I…Consistency, is one thing I test for in software. For example, if software refers to something by a particular name… more »
Once upon a time there was a young and naive tester, he was new to the world of software testing. He often felt he didn't have what it took to be a tester. Sure, he found the odd bug, and he enjoyed his work, but he also often missed bugs, issues or problems. After a while, he…Once upon a time there was a young and naive tester, he was new to the world of software testing. He often felt he… more »
Do you ever examine what you carry around with you every day, and wonder if you actually use it? For example, in my pockets I've got a 'smart' phone, wallet (credit & debit cards, cash and ID), keys, Travelcard (Oyster) and some coins. Every now and then something gets added, if…Do you ever examine what you carry around with you every day, and wonder if you actually use it? For example, in my… more »
About 10 years ago, I was working with a client who were in the process of developing a new ecommerce website. The new website and servers were designed to replace an entire existing suite of systems, and provide a platform for the company's future expansion. As you might…About 10 years ago, I was working with a client who were in the process of developing a new ecommerce website. The new… more »
You probably don't know, but I'm keen on fishing (Honest! Ok, maybe not, but bare with me...) I spend my free time, by the river bank or out on the sea searching for 'the big one'. The big catch that'll stand as tall as me, and feed my family for a week. My dream is to be the…You probably don't know, but I'm keen on fishing (Honest! Ok, maybe not, but bare with me...) I spend my free time, by… more »
Pick a coin from your pocket, and hold it at arms length. Take a good look. Now take another one, of the same denomination and hold it out at arms length as before. Based on your observations alone can you say they are the identical? Lets go a step further. If someone had given…Pick a coin from your pocket, and hold it at arms length. Take a good look. Now take another one, of the same… more »
Do your hear phrases like "All our users use [insert some technology]" spoken in your office? or possibly "We have a 'corporate standard' desktop". I have a lot. I have since my first job, back in the '90s. It's a commonly held belief in most of the client companies I've worked…Do your hear phrases like "All our users use [insert some technology]" spoken in your office? or possibly "We have a… more »
Do you ever feel like we do all this work and maybe we needn't of bothered? Things might have worked out without our intervention. Or we are actually worse off, now, after the work? You're not alone. This is a common problem in any role where you need to investigate the effects…Do you ever feel like we do all this work and maybe we needn't of bothered? Things might have worked out without our… more »