Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Here's everything you need to know about testing blockchain

  A blockchain is an encrypted list of records anyone can add to. But should you be worried about testing blockchain? Expert Gerie Owen explains what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Should the QA process always include the business side?

  Quality assurance professionals need to start thinking about bringing business along for the ride. Expert Amy Reichert offers tried-and-true advice to get started.  Continue Reading

• How to better manage your offshore software testing team

  Managing a local software testing team is one thing, but when testers are remote, it's challenging. Expert Gerie Owen unpacks her top tips to make the process smoother.  Continue Reading

• How to hang on to software testing standards during hard times

  Software testing is a tough job, and it's made even tougher in a regulated industry where competitive pressures don't exist. Expert Gerie Owen on how to survive.  Continue Reading

• Will automated software testing eliminate my job soon?

  With more companies moving to DevOps the push for automating software testing is strong. Expert Gerie Owen explains how to navigate this career challenge.  Continue Reading

• How can a female junior software tester survive in a sexist startup?

  Software testers are no more immune to hostile work environments than anyone else. Expert Gerie Owen explains how to survive in a challenging startup.  Continue Reading

• How do I advance my test automation engineer career?

  Usually, software testers with strong technical skills have bright career prospects. If you're being overlooked, there's a reason. Expert Gerie Owen explains.  Continue Reading

• How do I tackle machine learning in software testing?

  Machine learning is the next big thing, and software testers are just now being asked to tackle this new type of software. Expert Gerie Owen offers on-point advice.  Continue Reading

• What are the top software testing skills? Start by being fearless

  The software testing profession is changing rapidly, thanks to DevOps and automation. But some of the skills you'll need to keep up are surprisingly old-fashioned, like persistence.  Continue Reading

• Struggling with testing? Here's how to get lean QA started

  Trying to identify bottlenecks in the software testing process can be challenging, but starting a lean QA effort can help. Expert Amy Reichert explains.  Continue Reading

• Smoke tests are fine, but sometimes soak testing is the answer

  Some software applications can really benefit from a long testing time, and that's where soak tests come in. Expert Gerie Owen explains how and why to use that type of test.  Continue Reading

• What happens when acceptance criteria in software testing is missing?

  You can't test something if you don't know what it's supposed to do. Often, testers have a very incomplete understanding of what they're testing. Here's how to fix the problem.  Continue Reading

• What's the latest DevOps challenge? A tendency toward groupthink

  In order to speed up development and delivery, a DevOps team has to be collaborative. But when does that cross the line into dysfunctional? Expert Gerie Owen explains.  Continue Reading

• Why am I always being passed over for software test lead jobs?

  It can be frustrating and demoralizing when you're not chosen to test the latest and most interesting software. Expert Gerie Owen shares what to do about it.  Continue Reading

• How can QA best work with contract software developers?

  At some point, software testers are going to end up working with remote or contract developers. Expert Amy Reichert explains how to make the arrangement work for you.  Continue Reading