The Logic of Verification
Michael Bolton
DevelopSense
Software testing is sometimes described as “verification and validation” and according to Wikipedia, “the process of checking that a software system meets specifications and that it fulfills its intended purpose”. Yet, if we examine the concept and logic of verification, we quickly recognise that there are serious limitations to what can and cannot be checked and verified. This is not to say that checking is a bad thing. On the contrary; checking can be very valuable. Still, it’s important for testers and their clients to recognise the fundamental limitations of checking, and to address those limitations in our testing strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- In this webinar, Michael Bolton will outline the logic of verification and ways in which we might be vulnerable to false premises and misleading conclusions about it.
- He’ll also identify ways that we can address those problems by embedding verification in a larger system of testing, experimentation and critical thinking.
About Me!
Tester, consultant, and trainer Michael Bolton is the co-author (with James Bach) of Rapid Software Testing, a course that presents a methodology and mindset for testing software expertly in uncertain conditions and under extreme time pressure. Michael is a leader in the context-driven software testing movement with twenty years of experience testing, developing, managing, and writing about software. Currently, he leads DevelopSense, a Toronto-based consultancy. Prior to DevelopSense, Michael was with Quarterdeck Corporation. Michael’s home page is www.developsense.com.