Welcome to the sixth episode of Testing Experts with Opinions with the spotlight on the profound significance of mentorship in software testing. Packed with captivating insights and anecdotes, our expert panel underscores the distinction between mentoring and having a 'buddy', along with exploring the interactive nature of mentoring relationships. With the panel's credible experiences as mentors and mentees, the episode underscores the benefits of mentorship at scale and utilizing collaborative platforms like SharePoint and Confluence. It also emphasizes the value of personal feedback and support from a mentor for long-term motivation and growth. As the discourse evolves, it delves into the dynamics of mentorship amidst evolving workplace norms. From finding mentors in smaller businesses or remote working scenarios, to the implications of automated tools like ChatGPT on mentorship, this episode decodes it all. It wraps up with the inspiring reminder that everyone around us holds potential lessons to learn from. The episode offers invaluable insights whether you're initiating your journey in software testing or scaling up the leadership ladder. Listen in to explore how mentorship could possibly be your key to unlocking professional success.

In the fourth episode of our Testing Experts series, our panel offers a comprehensive exploration of a critical concept in software testing, test maturity. Joined by a new panel member and esteemed consultant, Mr. Stephen Platten, we delve into the various facets of test maturity, highlighting its crucial role in determining an organisation's proficiency in the testing arena. Our discussions touch on the importance of test maturity assessments and how they unveil processes that can be performed with increased efficiency and effectiveness. The episode broadens the scope extending to models for understanding test maturity like Test Maturity Model integration (TMMI) and Test Process Improvement (TPI). While these established models provide a straightforward path to achieve enhanced maturity, their rigidity can pose challenges for startups and smaller firms. The conversation also unfurls the notion of informal maturity checks that facilitate instant advantageous changes, bypassing formal levels. Our panel advises organisations to start from the ground level, embodying the concept that maturity is a progressive long-term journey, rather than a race with an end goal. Our panel assert the significance of cultivating a quality assurance (QA) function at a gradual pace, underlining the importance of starting with a minimum viable product and strategically building on it. The discussion delves into the application of hybrid models like the Test Process Improvement NEXT (TPI Next) Model that amalgamates industry best practices with individual judgment and experience. As we conclude, our panel brings to the fore the importance of transparency in the maturity process to maintain synchronisation across the business, thereby minimising clashes and redundancy. This episode enriches your understanding of software development's strategic nuances, with a special emphasis on testing and assessments. The insights garnered from our panel's extensive experience in the field will enable you to better comprehend varying models suitable for organisations of different types and sizes, emphasise quality control in the software development lifecycle, and spotlight the addition of continuous improvement to keep your processes optimised and effective.

Welcome to another installment of the "Testing Experts with Opinions" podcast! This episode dives deep into the evolving role of Test Managers in modern software development, specifically in Agile and Waterfall methodologies. The conversation begins with a discussion around the traditional role of Test Managers in software development structured under Waterfall models. The panel then transitions into examining the changing responsibilities of these individuals in the Agile context, where they often operate as Test Leads or Heads of Quality. Challenging convention, the speakers explore the diminishing need for the traditional Test Manager role in Agile environments, where responsibilities like budgeting, team management, and defect handling are often shared among project managers and or scrum masters. Instead, the conversation leads to a consensus around the importance of having an individual to coordinate and guide activities across different testing types and levels. The episode wraps up with a forward-thinking perspective, suggesting some Test Managers may adapt into 'program level' roles, acting as Agile problem-solvers while demonstrating flexibility in a transforming test environment. Immerse yourself in our invigorating discussion as we unpack the changing landscape of software testing, present solutions to enhance testing effectiveness, and anticipate the next steps for Test Managers in the Agile world.

In this insightful episode of Testing Experts with Opinions, we examine the shifting landscape of software testing roles and qualifications expected by 2024. We talk about the integration of automation into traditional roles, the increasing demand for quality engineers, and the rise of 'full-stack engineers'. We also venture into the fascinating realm of AI in testing, discuss various training paths for testers, and consider the future significance of manual testers. Explore with us, the different facets of non-functional testing types and discover potential career avenues like observability testing and test data management. Learn why adaptability is key in this transformation and how platforms like Test Automation University and Udemy can aid in acquiring these new skills. Our panel emphasises the growing importance of continuous learning in software testing. We highlight the shift from manual to automated testing and performance testing, and discuss the skills upgrade and mindset change necessary to tackle these evolutions in the field. We delve into the importance of exploratory and user experience testing and cover continuous testing — anticipated to be a major trend in 2024. Fully immerse as we discuss the practices and concepts of continuous testing in both Waterfall and Agile models. We bring into focus UX testing, the user perspective in testing, and the need for expansive test coverage. We also consider the prominence of IoT in the current testing landscape, and debate over the relative emphasis given to desktop and mobile testing by organisations. Listen, as we round off this episode with a focus on striking a balance between methodologies, available tools, and project-specific needs.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Testing Experts with Opinions podcast for 2024 (Part 1) - a dynamic platform for engaging discussions about software testing trends, tools, and technology. This episode highlights a detailed introduction of the Inspired Testing team members and their significant roles, including test architects Stephan Coetzee and Mamatla Rantidi, data testing specialist Mathew Zungu, training-focused head of consulting Jehan Coetzee, and CTO Leon Lodewyks. Emphasizing the ever-changing software testing landscape, Leon highlights the importance of incorporating new tools and technologies to provide better value to clients. He stresses the need to maintain relevance in the industry through continuous training significantly. This episode lays particular emphasis on software quality engineering trends for 2024. Stephan leads an intriguing discussion about the role of AI in testing. Explaining AI as a tool that enhances the testing process, he emphasizes that AI aims to address real business challenges, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing accuracy. The team also shares practical advice for testers surrounding AI selection and usage, stressing the need to identify business needs before adopting any AI tool. While discussing the use of AI, potential concerns about AI learning with private data are brought up. Companies are advised to create an in-house bot to retain control over their sensitive data. The debut episode wraps up with a look into the future, predicting that 2024 will see an increase in API testing due to the growing adoption of microservices architecture and AI integrated applications. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis and speculative overview of software testing's future - challenging traditional thoughts of API testing and ushering in an era where AI plays an integral role.

Inspired Testing's Training Manager Louise Gilbert chats to Senior Automation Engineer Anusha Gopaul about her journey into quality and how she works to help other testers reach their full potential.

Expert duo Jehan Coetzee, Head of Consulting and Architecture, and Dawie Greyling, Principal Consultant at Inspired testing discuss how to choose the right test automation tools, sharing valuable insights and tips along the way.