Company
Date Published
Author
David Tzemach
Word count
1889
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The article "The Art of Testing the Untestable" by David Tzemach explores the challenges and nuances of testing seemingly untestable software products. Tzemach argues that everything can be tested, but the outcomes may vary, including failure or financial loss. He emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding the perspectives of those who claim something is untestable, suggesting that such claims might stem from frustration, challenging personalities, or differing views on testability. Through various examples, he highlights common root causes, such as inadequate test conditions, differences between test and production environments, embedded code, and perceived risks. Tzemach encourages testers to engage in open dialogue to explore these issues, offering solutions like automating tasks, using mock data, or collaborating with developers to enhance product transparency. Ultimately, the article advocates for a patient, investigative approach to overcoming testing obstacles and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve better testing outcomes.