
<p>Hello Peeps,</p>



<p>Welcome back to another interesting blog. We hope this title intrigued you here.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Are you a Bad Tester?&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180644/bad-tester.jpeg" alt="bad-tester" class="wp-image-46593" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180644/bad-tester.jpeg 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180644/bad-tester-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180644/bad-tester-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180644/bad-tester-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div>



<p>In our testing journey, we received this label at least once. Especially a few years back when it was all waterfall world, testing was assumed to be the easiest and simplest job. And we were blamed for any miss in production. Also, we weren’t included in the technical meetings or discussions saying it’s too technical for the testing team. Have you been in the same boat? You might have experienced this painful situation in your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/career-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing career</a>. A lot of things are changing in recent years and this agile environment is contributing so much towards the inclusion of testing teams from the early stages of development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We as Testers are juggling multiple roles today and contributing to the technical discussions. If someone still refers to you as a “Bad Tester”, I want you to not consider it a bad label. Grab that opportunity and shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of the strong software tester mindset.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this blog post, we will explore the concept of being a &#8220;Bad Tester,&#8221; break the myth of perfection, and celebrate the invaluable lessons that can be gleaned from embracing this persona.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Myth_of_Perfection"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> The Myth of Perfection</a></li><li><a href="#Breaking_the_Mold"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Breaking the Mold</a><ul><li><a href="#Key_Attributes_of_a_8220Bad_Tester8221"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Key Attributes of a &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221;</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Learning_from_Failure"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Learning from Failure</a><ul><li><a href="#The_Power_of_Reflection"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> The Power of Reflection</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Embracing_Diversity_and_Inclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Embracing Diversity and Inclusion</a><ul><li><a href="#Cultivating_Empathy"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Cultivating Empathy</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-myth-of-perfection"><span id="The_Myth_of_Perfection"><strong>The Myth of Perfection</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180753/The-myth-of-perfection-.jpeg" alt="The-myth-of-perfection" class="wp-image-46595" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180753/The-myth-of-perfection-.jpeg 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180753/The-myth-of-perfection--300x300.jpeg 300w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180753/The-myth-of-perfection--768x768.jpeg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180753/The-myth-of-perfection--1536x1536.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div>



<p><em>“Have no fear of perfection &#8211; you&#8217;ll never reach it” </em>&#8211; Salvador Dali, Spanish Artist.</p>



<p>Testing, by its very nature, is rooted in the pursuit of perfection. People expect everything to be perfect when it comes to Testing. They imagine that all the mess can be fixed during the testing phase. Testers should wear multiple hats and they don’t require any technical or product knowledge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testers are expected to find defects, report and track them, identify weaknesses and potential vulnerabilities, and ensure that software meets the highest standards of quality. If anything goes wrong in production, testers are easily blamed. Not in all places, it’s still happening in a few places. However, in our search for perfection, we often forget that testers, too, are human beings. The expectation of flawless execution can be suffocating, leading testers to avoid risk-taking, not helping to think outside of the box, experimentation, and innovation for fear of failure. We can aim for perfection and work towards it, but focusing only on it could be really meaningless and stressful.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-breaking-the-mold"><span id="Breaking_the_Mold"><strong>Breaking the Mold</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180900/Breaking-mold.jpeg" alt="Breaking mold" class="wp-image-46597" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180900/Breaking-mold.jpeg 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180900/Breaking-mold-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19180900/Breaking-mold-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div>



<p>It’s been a while since we have all been labeled as a “Bad Tester” for doing the right things. It is time to challenge the notion that a &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; means being incompetent. On the contrary, the &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; is an archetype of brave vulnerability, unafraid to make mistakes, willing to learn, and eager to grow. We need to speak out on this.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Embracing the &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; mentality involves stepping outside perfectionism and embracing the messy, trying things out of the comfort zone, a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and constant improvement, and consistent and lifelong learning.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-key-attributes-of-a-bad-tester"><span id="Key_Attributes_of_a_8220Bad_Tester8221">Key Attributes of a &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221;</span></h3>



<ul><li><strong>Courage:</strong> The &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; possesses the courage to challenge the status quo, question assumptions, and push boundaries.</li><li><strong>Curiosity:</strong> Curiosity fuels the &#8220;Bad Tester&#8217;s&#8221; insatiable thirst for knowledge, driving them to explore new technologies, methodologies, and perspectives. It helps them to explore multiple tools and ask crazy questions.</li><li><strong>Creativity:</strong> Embracing the &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; mentality unlocks a world of creative possibilities, allowing for innovative solutions and unconventional approaches to testing challenges. This helps improve the overall process and helps to save time.</li><li><strong>Collaboration:</strong> The &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; recognizes the value of collaboration, seeking feedback, mentorship, and support from peers to continuously improve their craft.</li><li><strong>Communication: </strong>The “Bad Tester” communicates effectively with the stakeholders and the project team and provides timely updates. It also maintains a good rapport with the developers and the technical team.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Attentive: </strong>Bad Testers are very attentive and they are very good listeners. They listen and comprehend the information. Document the details whenever required.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-learning-from-failure"><span id="Learning_from_Failure"><strong>Learning from Failure</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181010/learning-from-failure.jpeg" alt="learning from failure" class="wp-image-46599" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181010/learning-from-failure.jpeg 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181010/learning-from-failure-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181010/learning-from-failure-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181010/learning-from-failure-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption>learning from failure</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>&#8220;We need to accept that we won&#8217;t always make the right decisions, that we&#8217;ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it&#8217;s part of success.&#8221; ― Arianna Huffington, Greek-American author</p>



<p>Mistakes happen everywhere. If we are bound to stop or cease progress with mistakes, then we are doomed forever. We should recall our childhood learning “Failures are the stepping stones to success”. Failure is not a mark of weakness but a badge of honor for the &#8220;Bad Tester.&#8221; Each mistake made, misstep taken, mishap happened, and oversight is an opportunity for growth and learning. Testers can acquire resilience, adaptability, and humility in the face of adversity by perceiving failure as a stepping stone toward success.</p>



<h3 id="h-the-power-of-reflection"><span id="The_Power_of_Reflection"><strong>The Power of Reflection</strong></span></h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19174139/unnamed-3.jpg" alt="The Power of Reflection" class="wp-image-46583" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19174139/unnamed-3.jpg 2000w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19174139/unnamed-3-300x300.jpg 300w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19174139/unnamed-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19174139/unnamed-3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div>



<p>Self-reflection helps to overcome the failure and mitigate the outcomes from the failures. We do this by asking multiple questions ourselves and trying to find answers to them. Being aware of your strengths can help you capitalize on them whilst being aware of your weaknesses can help you to work and improve them.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Self-Awareness:</strong> Retrospection helps software testers gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses or limitations, biases, motivations, and improvement areas to make better decisions and enhance their performance. This helps software testers to be more effective in their role and make better decisions., which in turn improves the efficacy of testing.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Continuous Improvement:</strong> It&#8217;s critical to take responsibility for your mistakes rather than diverting the blame elsewhere. Keep track of the mistakes, process them, and reflect on them. By analyzing past mistakes and wins, testers can understand more about the patterns, define or refine their strategies, and improve or change their testing approach over time.</li><li><strong>Community Support:</strong> Community is the heart of everything. People share and learn along with the testing community. In this virtual world, testers all over the globe are closely connected through communities. These communities foster a culture of learning, mentorship, and mutual support, enriching the collective knowledge and expertise of testers worldwide.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Practice empathy:</strong> Being aware of your own emotions is an important skill, and we are quite aware of this. It’s equally important to be aware of other’s feelings. Practicing empathy can help you better understand the perspectives and needs of your team members and stakeholders. It also helps to create a greater bond within the team and creates overall an optimistic work ambiance.</li><li><strong>Seek feedback:</strong> Being open to constructive criticism and feedback. You should be reaching your team and leaders to provide feedback on your performance. This can help you gain a better understanding of your work and how you can improve on the areas of improvement.</li><li><strong>Challenge your biases:</strong> As a human, we all have biases, but we as software testers need to be aware of them. Learning about the biases is the first step to react towards it. Biases influence our decisions and actions without us even realizing it. Take time to reflect on your biases and be aware of how they could affect the testing process and deliverables.</li><li><strong>Set goals:</strong> Goals are the fuel for your everyday activities. Analyze your current skill set and position. Based on it, set realistic goals. They help you to stay consistent.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>Read our blog on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software Testing Skills</a></p>



<h2 id="h-embracing-diversity-and-inclusion"><span id="Embracing_Diversity_and_Inclusion"><strong>Embracing Diversity and Inclusion</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181053/Embracing-Diversity-and-Inclusion.jpeg" alt="Embracing Diversity and Inclusion" class="wp-image-46601" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181053/Embracing-Diversity-and-Inclusion.jpeg 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181053/Embracing-Diversity-and-Inclusion-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19181053/Embracing-Diversity-and-Inclusion-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption>Embracing Diversity and Inclusion</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>The &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; mentality transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds, welcoming individuals of all experiences, skill levels, and perspectives into the testing community. Diversity and inclusion are not merely buzzwords but crucial to innovation, creativity, and excellence in the overall <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-process/">testing process</a>. Being open and broad-minded can lead the way to multiple opportunities and help in building a more inclusive product or application. </p>



<h3 id="h-cultivating-empathy"><span id="Cultivating_Empathy"><strong>Cultivating Empathy</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li><strong>Empathy:</strong> The &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; empathizes with end-users, stakeholders, and colleagues, recognizing the impact of their work and appreciating them whenever needed. </li><li><strong>Inclusivity:</strong> Embracing diversity and inclusion fosters a culture of belonging, respect, and empowerment, where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated. Using inclusive language in all communications and documentation also matters. </li><li><strong>Global Impact:</strong> By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, testers can uncover hidden biases, assumptions, and blind spots, leading to more thorough, inclusive, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/robustness-testing/">robust testing</a> practices. While working in the global environment, testers learn multiple things. </li><li><strong>Diversity in Leadership: </strong>Diversity applies not only to the teams but also to leadership and managerial positions. Giving equal opportunities to everyone can help build a diverse organization and their diversified experiences and opinions can add value to the team and the entire organization.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>Being a Tester is hard. We have seen multiple changes and evolvements through these years. Ultimately all the changes helped us to evolve, learn, and enhance ourselves. We have had our bad days, some are good, really good. In the end, we always struggled and gave out the best of everything.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When you are too good, you also face some consequences. It’s part of that, you might be labeled as a “Bad Tester”.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To summarize, the &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; is not a pariah but rather a pioneer, challenging the status quo, defying expectations, and reshaping the narrative of testing excellence. Sometimes being too good is labeled as bad because not everyone acknowledges or accepts it. Together we can unlock our potential, promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement, and build a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient testing community. Let us celebrate the &#8220;Bad Tester&#8221; within us all and embark on a journey of fearless exploration, boundless creativity, and transformative growth.</p>



<p></p>


Embracing the “Bad Tester” Mentality


<p>The world is evolving, and every day we see many tools and products coming up and trying to serve multiple purposes to our community. Do you think that all the products are satisfying and make the customers happy? The answer is, no.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Only a few organizations understand the importance of a quality product and a customer&#8217;s happiness. Why is it so? Because of the lack of awareness about the importance of quality.&nbsp; It&#8217;s not about how many features you have, how quickly you get the product to market, or how many accounts/downloads the app receives. It&#8217;s all about genuine usage, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, testimonials, and recommendations. Now you got the point, yes it’s about the “Customers”.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Quality products make happy customers” &#8211; To make quality products, we work as a Team. Building a quality team leads to quality products.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this blog, let’s explore some important aspects of building a quality team.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Key_Principles_and_Pillars_for_Quality_Teams"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Key Principles and Pillars for Quality Teams</a></li><li><a href="#Fostering_a_Culture_of_Quality_within_the_Team"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Fostering a Culture of Quality within the Team</a></li><li><a href="#The_Role_of_Leadership_in_Upholding_Quality_Standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> The Role of Leadership in Upholding Quality Standards</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion_Striving_Towards_Excellence_Through_Continuous_Quality_Improvement"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Conclusion: Striving Towards Excellence Through Continuous Quality Improvement</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-key-principles-and-pillars-for-quality-teams"><span id="Key_Principles_and_Pillars_for_Quality_Teams"><strong>Key Principles and Pillars for Quality Teams</strong></span></h2>



<p>Considering the current software testing teams and methodologies, a few can be listed as very important pointers that help to achieve a product’s quality as a Team.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Clear and precise Communication</strong>: We all know the importance of communication and timely updates. We should be able to clearly articulate issues, requirements, and feedback to other team members, fostering collaboration and understanding. Also one of the good practices I learned from my leaders is having a habit of providing interim updates. When specific tasks take longer time, always inform the stakeholders about the current status and progress. Also, it’s good to acknowledge the emails or chat messages, once consumed.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Continuous Testing</strong>: This may sound like a fancy term. But the implication is simple. Testing should be an ongoing process throughout the entire development cycle. By continuously testing and providing feedback, teams can identify and address issues early.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Accountability</strong>: Each team member should be accountable for their actions and responsibilities, hence this promotes a sense of ownership. This helps to avoid conflicts in the team.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Automation</strong>: Leveraging automation for testing can help to save our efforts for repetitive and bulk tasks. When it’s a stable application, we can automate the regression test cases and it can be useful in every release. Also for some projects, we require lots of test data, and automating it can be helpful for the team. If there’s an API involved, it’s a good practice to focus on API Automation. This can help to catch the functional bugs earlier. Before involving in automation, do an analysis and make sure to use the automation efforts fully.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Collaboration</strong>: It takes two hands to clap and make some noise. Quality is always a team effort. We should work closely with all the project stakeholders, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This helps with the alignment and avoids deviation from the end goal.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Transparency</strong>: Transparency is a basic in a Team for developing trust and accountability. Team members should be open and honest with one another, sharing feedback, and discussing the trivial and important things. This facilitates team synergy and bonding.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Problem-Solving Skills</strong>: Some say, software testers are problem-finders. Yes, we are. We have a strong sense of feeling about the quality of the product. We are equipped with problem-solving skills to effectively address quality issues. This includes identifying the root causes of the defects by deeper analysis, brainstorming solutions, and suggesting effective solutions.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Training and Development</strong>: Continuous learning is important, only then we can provide suggestions for the right situations. Keep learning and upgrade yourself to the latest trends in software testing, automation tools/frameworks, and quality practices.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Feedback Loop</strong>: Setting up a feedback loop within the team can help identify areas for improvement. Regular retrospectives and reviews can provide useful information about how the team can improve its processes and quality practices.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): </strong>Adopting CI/CD practices can transform the approach to quality. By automating build, test, and deployment pipelines, they can achieve faster feedback loops and streamlined delivery cycles. This can lead to more stable releases with minimal defects reaching production environments.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-fostering-a-culture-of-quality-within-the-team"><span id="Fostering_a_Culture_of_Quality_within_the_Team"><strong>Fostering a Culture of Quality within the Team</strong></span></h2>



<p>To ensure that quality becomes ingrained in your team&#8217;s DNA, foster a culture that promotes collaboration, learning from mistakes, continuous improvement, and open communication. Encourage team members to run knowledge-sharing sessions/webinars, conduct regular code reviews, pair testing, partake in cross-functional training sessions, and celebrate all the big and small wins together.</p>



<p><strong>1. Competence and Experience:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Team members should possess the relevant skills and a deep understanding of software testing principles and practices.</li><li>Certifications and industry experience are indicators of proficiency.</li></ul>



<p><strong>2. Communication and Teamwork:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Effective and precise communication among team members is essential for articulating expectations, resolving challenges, and fostering a cohesive work environment.</li><li>Choosing and Using the right mode of communication among the project stakeholders.</li><li>Strong communication leads to building good team morale, and teamwork makes wonders.</li></ul>



<p><strong>3. Well-defined Process and Methodology:</strong></p>



<ul><li>A well-structured testing process/strategy outlines the steps, roles, processes, and responsibilities involved in testing phases and guides the entire team.</li><li>Standardized methodologies like Agile or Waterfall or whatever fits the project nature can be chosen and implemented correctly.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p><strong>4. Access to Adequate Tools and Resources:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Based on the latest growth in the software testing industry, it provides access and freedom to play around different tools and to do research.</li><li>Access to training materials and platforms ensures team members stay updated with the latest testing trends and technologies.</li></ul>



<p><strong>5. Supportive Management:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Leaders should act as a bridge between the management and employees.</li><li>Support from the management is required to provide the team with all the necessary resources/materials, power, freedom, and environment to perform their tasks effectively.</li><li>Setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing and rewarding achievements contribute to a positive and motivating work culture.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-the-role-of-leadership-in-upholding-quality-standards"><span id="The_Role_of_Leadership_in_Upholding_Quality_Standards"><strong>The Role of Leadership in Upholding Quality Standards</strong></span></h2>



<p>Leadership plays a crucial role in setting expectations around quality standards. By providing resources for training, and tools required for automation, and promoting a blame-free environment for sharing feedback openly – leaders can empower their teams to strive for excellence in every aspect of software testing.</p>



<p>In addition to these factors, a quality team in software testing can significantly benefit the broader software testing community:</p>



<p><strong>Benefits for the Software Testing Community:</strong></p>



<p><strong>1. Enhanced Software Quality:</strong></p>



<p>A quality team contributes to delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure software, benefiting end-users and stakeholders.</p>



<p><strong>2. Sharing of Best Practices:</strong></p>



<p>By sharing successful strategies, methodologies, and tools, a quality team can contribute to the overall improvement of software testing practices within the community.</p>



<p><strong>3. Contribution to Resource Development:</strong></p>



<p>Quality teams often contribute to the development of new testing tools, frameworks, and resources through open-source projects or publications.</p>



<p><strong>4. Collaboration and Learning Opportunities:</strong></p>



<p>Collaboration between quality teams fosters knowledge exchange, encourages innovation, and provides opportunities for continuous professional growth.</p>



<p>Fostering a quality team in software testing not only benefits the organization but also positively impacts the software testing community, leading to advancements in testing practices and improved software quality for everyone.</p>



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<h2 id="h-conclusion-striving-towards-excellence-through-continuous-quality-improvement"><span id="Conclusion_Striving_Towards_Excellence_Through_Continuous_Quality_Improvement"><strong>Conclusion: Striving Towards Excellence Through Continuous Quality Improvement</strong></span></h2>



<p>In conclusion, achieving <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/quality-assurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality in software testing</a> is an ongoing journey that requires dedication from every team member. Also, it doesn’t happen overnight. The team needs to work through this together.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As we discussed, team harmony, leadership in testing, and implementing the best practices throughout the testing life cycle can help us to deliver high-quality products that make users happy and content. Start implementing these strategies today to elevate your team&#8217;s performance &amp; deliver top-notch products consistently!</p>


How Should a Team Have Quality: For the Software Testing Community

A Beginner’s Guide to Autonomous Testing


<p><em>“Without standards, there can be no improvement”</em> &#8211; Taiichi Ohno, Japanese engineer and businessman</p>



<p>Software testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and quality of software products.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this fast-evolving technological landscape, people are busy juggling multiple things, and it is essential to have a set of standards and processes in place to guide and govern the testing and development of the software. These standards and processes provide a framework for managing the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to post-release maintenance. They help ensure the software meets the desired functionality, performance, and user experience expectations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this blog, we will explore the importance of standards and processes in software testing, what are common standards, and how they contribute to the success of software testing projects.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Define_Software_Testing_Standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Define: Software Testing Standards</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Software_Testing_Standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Benefits of Software Testing Standards</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_find_software_testing_standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How do you find software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_choose_software_testing_standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How do you choose software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_apply_software_testing_standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How do you apply software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-define-software-testing-standards"><span id="Define_Software_Testing_Standards">Define: Software Testing Standards</span></h2>



<p>Software testing standards are a set of guidelines and principles used to define and guide the process of software testing. These standards outline the strategies, procedures, methodologies, and best practices for testing software to ensure its quality, functionality, and performance. They also provide a foundation for creating and evaluating software testing processes, techniques, and tools. Some common software testing standards include ISO/IEC 29119, IEEE 829, and ISO/IEC 9126. Adhering to these standards can help organizations improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their software testing processes and ultimately deliver high-quality software products to customers.</p>



<p>Here is a brief guide to some of the key elements of software testing standards:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Test planning:</strong> This is the process of defining the scope, objectives, and approach to software testing.</li><li><strong>Test case development:</strong> This is the process of creating test cases that will be used to test software.</li><li><strong>Test execution:</strong> This is the process of running test cases against software.</li><li><strong>Test analysis:</strong> This is the process of reviewing test results and identifying defects.</li><li><strong>Test reporting:</strong> This is the process of communicating test results to stakeholders.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-software-testing-standards"><span id="Benefits_of_Software_Testing_Standards">Benefits of Software Testing Standards</span></h2>



<p>Software testing standards are an important part of the software development process. They can help to improve the quality of software, reduce the risk of defects, and improve the efficiency of software testing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you are involved in software testing, it is important to be familiar with the software testing standards that apply to your project. This will help you to ensure that you are testing software effectively and that you are meeting the expectations of your stakeholders.</p>



<p><strong>Software testing standards are important for several reasons. They can help in:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Increased Quality: Software testing standards offer guidelines, best practices, and recommendations for testing software, resulting in a more rigorous and comprehensive testing process. This, in turn, leads to higher-quality software with fewer defects.</li><li>Reduced Costs: Organizations may save time and money on rework and bug fixes by adhering to established testing standards and identifying and fixing issues earlier in the software development cycle.</li><li>Consistency: Testing standards ensure that every project and team member is uniformly executing testing. This produces outcomes that are more dependable and predictable, which facilitates problem-solving and replication.&nbsp;</li><li>Compliance: Many industries, such as healthcare, insurance, and finance, have regulatory requirements for software testing. Some regions/countries follow heavy privacy regulations when handling data. Adhering to recognized testing standards can help organizations demonstrate compliance with these regulations.</li><li>Better Communication: Testing standards provide a uniform language and framework for communicating testing operations and results. As a result, there are fewer miscommunications and mistakes among team members, stakeholders, and clients.</li><li>Risk Mitigation: Testing standards help identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in a software product, allowing organizations to address them before they become bigger problems. This reduces the likelihood of software failure or security breaches.</li><li>Improved Customer Satisfaction: Organizations can ensure that their software is thoroughly tested and meets or exceeds customer expectations by following testing standards. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.</li><li>Continuous Improvement: Software testing standards are updated and revised regularly to stay up with the latest developments in development techniques and technology. Organizations can stay up-to-date and continuously enhance their testing procedures by adhering to these standards.</li><li>Enhanced Efficiency: Organizations can boost productivity and efficiency by streamlining their testing efforts with standardized testing techniques and technologies.</li><li>Increased Confidence: By following recognized testing standards, organizations can have confidence in the quality and reliability of their software. This, in turn, can help build trust with customers and strengthen the organization&#8217;s reputation.</li></ol>



<p><strong>Commonly used Software Testing Standards:</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/649-hkRWR3WbeQMDkBxyND52tMzxAwG_WfwfR8VbTusS6ex7bibD_TQBe3aBquexBhuF0q4G3LqoNHc3RKnC90facgceoSq1f3aZx4pPMRkOBA6q76qpksVlhUbm6gl70qOrsJ16u4IRbygGSxCuS4k" alt="Commonly used Software Testing Standards:" width="800" height="800"/></figure></div>



<p>Many different software testing standards are available, each with its own set of specific requirements. Some of the most common standards include:</p>



<ul><li>ISO/IEC 29119: This international standard defines software testing processes, test documentation, and test techniques. It provides guidelines for test planning, test design, test execution, and test closure.</li><li>ISO 25000: A family of standards that guides <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality management </a>and software testing.</li><li>IEEE 829: This standard specifies the structure and content of software test documentation, including test plans, test cases, and test reports.</li><li>ISO/IEC 25010: This standard focuses on quality characteristics and metrics for software products. It defines criteria for evaluating software quality attributes such as functionality, reliability, usability, and performance. Provide a common language for testers to communicate with each other.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-find-software-testing-standards"><span id="How_do_you_find_software_testing_standards">How do you find software testing standards?</span></h2>



<p>There are a few ways to find and get yourself familiar with software testing standards:</p>



<ul><li>Industry-specific standards organizations: Many industries have specific organizations that create and maintain standards for software testing. For example, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (<a href="https://www.istqb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISTQB</a>) focuses on international software testing standards, while the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has standards for a variety of industries including software testing. Searching for and joining these organizations can provide access to their standards.</li><li>Conferences and events: Attend industry conferences and events related to software testing, where experts and professionals often share information and updates on the latest software testing standards.</li><li>Online resources: There are several websites and online resources, such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which provide information on software testing standards. The ISTQB, for example, has a public repository of its standards available for download. Additionally, many companies and organizations may publish their standards on their websites or make them available for purchase.</li><li>Professional networks: Networking with other software testing professionals can be a great way to learn about and access different standards. Attending industry conferences, joining online forums or groups, and connecting with other professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and resources.</li><li>Community forums and discussion boards: Join software testing community forums and discussion boards, where members often discuss and share information about software testing standards.</li><li>Training and certification courses: Many training and certification courses in software testing cover different standards and best practices. These courses can be a helpful resource for learning about and implementing standards in your testing process.</li><li>Industry publications: Subscribe to relevant industry publications, such as software testing magazines and journals, which often feature articles and updates on software testing standards.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-choose-software-testing-standards"><span id="How_do_you_choose_software_testing_standards">How do you choose software testing standards?</span></h2>



<p>Every organization/project has peculiar needs, so based on that, we need to choose the standard. Let’s explore what are the common factors to think about before deciding on the testing standard.</p>



<ol><li>Identify business and project goals: The first step in choosing software testing standards is to identify the business and project goals. This will help determine the scope, objectives, and requirements for testing.</li><li>Deep Understanding of the domain: It is important to understand the industry/domain in which the software is developed and used. This will help in understanding the best practices and standards that are commonly followed in the industry.</li><li>Review regulatory requirements: Regulations or standards that must be adhered to may vary depending on the type of software. These should be examined and taken into account when selecting testing standards.</li><li>Determine the level of risk: Selecting the right testing standards will also depend on how risky the program is. Stricter testing guidelines could be needed for software that has a higher risk.</li><li>Consider the type of software/application: The kind of software — web, mobile, or business software, for example—will also influence whether testing standards are appropriate.</li><li>Evaluate available testing standards: Many testing standards are available, including IEEE, ISO, and ISTQB standards. It is crucial to assess these standards and select the one that most closely matches the objectives and specifications of the project.</li><li>Analyze the team&#8217;s skills: It&#8217;s important to take into account the testing team&#8217;s qualifications and experience. It could be simpler to apply a certain testing standard if the team is already familiar with it.</li><li>Determine the budget and resources: The choice of testing standards will also be influenced by the testing resources and budget. Certain standards could call for certain equipment and supplies, which might not be available for the project.</li><li>Discuss with industry experts and other stakeholders: When selecting testing standards, it&#8217;s critical to have counsel and direction from seasoned professionals, industry experts, and project stakeholders. Based on their experience, they can offer insightful advice.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-apply-software-testing-standards"><span id="How_do_you_apply_software_testing_standards">How do you apply software testing standards?</span></h2>



<p>“What gets measured, gets improved” &#8211; Peter Drucker, Austrian-American consultant and educator.</p>



<ol><li>Familiarize yourself with software testing standards: The first step is to understand the various software testing standards and familiarize yourself with the standards and their requirements to ensure successful implementation.</li><li>Analyze your software testing process: Assess your present testing procedure and determine its advantages and disadvantages. This will assist you in identifying the standards that apply and need to be followed.</li><li>Define testing objectives: Establish precise goals for your testing and ascertain whether software testing standards correspond with them. This will assist in guaranteeing that your testing procedure is concentrated on accomplishing certain goals.</li><li>Detailed Test Plan: Create a thorough test plan that lists all of the tasks, activities, and resources required to satisfy software testing requirements.</li><li>Document the testing process: Record every step of the testing process, including the test cases, outcomes, and defects. To maintain consistency and traceability, this documentation should abide by the standards&#8217; requirements.</li><li>Ensure compliance: Make sure your testing process is in compliance with the requirements by conducting routine reviews and audits. This will assist in locating any gaps or areas in need of development.</li><li>Implement tools and techniques: To increase the efficacy and efficiency of the testing process, software testing standards frequently suggest certain tools and techniques. Examine these choices and take appropriate action as needed.</li><li>Train your team: It is essential to train your team on the software testing standards and guidelines to ensure they understand and adhere to them during the <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing process</a>.</li><li>Continuously improve: Assess your testing procedure on a regular basis to find opportunities for improvement. To guarantee ongoing progress, incorporate suggestions and lessons discovered into the next testing cycles.</li><li>Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments in software testing standards to ensure that your testing process remains up-to-date and effective.&nbsp;</li><li>Communicate to all stakeholders: Once the standards have been chosen, it is important to document them and communicate them to all stakeholders. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and follows the same standards.</li></ol>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/what-are-the-kpis-of-software-testing-and-qa-testsigma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about KPIs and Metrics for Software Testing</a></button></p><br>



<h2 id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion">Conclusion</span></h2>



<p>If you are involved in software testing, it is important to be familiar with the software testing standards that apply to your project, because it varies depending on the specific project and the organization. This will assist you to ensure that you are testing software effectively and that you are meeting the expectations of your stakeholders.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testing standards play a vital role in ensuring the quality and success of software projects. By following these standards, organizations can establish consistent testing practices, improve efficiency, and deliver high-quality software that meets customer expectations. Embracing software testing standards is essential for any development team looking to enhance their testing processes and produce reliable software products.</p>



<p>P.C: Freepik</p>


What are Software Testing Standards?


<p>Hello there,</p>



<p>As we near the end of 2023, I sit back and reflect on it. It went pretty fast like every other year 🙂</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/k52BTahMmdsJpkQ18JlJsfajowa9JCxjVO1048cIRS2ty9kRhPIbdI8VLmrETXpBGslamZ7DoX-28pnYVttSfpSUFS0Ui5Cuwhr3UYXDzu4T9FlKrwqBMJOy6fpBUP4ZcU1y9L5z4tHNXTWPYRurjJI" alt="Self reflection" /></figure></div>



<p>2022 was a super busy year with many talks, blogs, and workshops. This year, I had to focus on multiple things and upskilling. So I had to invest time in learning, reading, spending quality time with my family, focusing on my health, etc. I love writing, and it&#8217;s always been my favorite space. I wrote many blogs this year too.</p>



<p>When I think about 2023, I can&#8217;t help but wonder about the beginning and the twists and turns that happened. This year is not just about testing, another year of learnings, failures, travels, giving back to the community, blogs, and so on. And yes, my love for API still grows, it will never fade.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Wins_8211_Conquering_New_Horizons"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Wins &#8211; Conquering New Horizons:</a></li><li><a href="#Fails_8211_Embracing_the_Lessons"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Fails &#8211; Embracing the Lessons:</a></li><li><a href="#Biggest_Learnings"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Biggest Learnings</a></li><li><a href="#Sending_off_2023"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Sending off 2023!!</a></li><li><a href="#A_Message_for_2024_8211_Embrace_the_Unknown"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> A Message for 2024 &#8211; Embrace the Unknown</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-wins-conquering-new-horizons"><span id="Wins_8211_Conquering_New_Horizons"><strong>Wins &#8211; Conquering New Horizons:</strong></span></h2>



<p>It might be a bit boring listing down my achievements, but this is not about bragging (maybe a little 😁) It is my self-reflection, and many pleasant memories surfaced while writing this blog. I hope the tales below inspire you rather than annoy you 😊</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ju6BeVLm4F5XneBsswaDAF9cjW7e7HOPvO1YvYI2INXMQ__PKQxeYmWNS3v_Mn_9hjh55urk6mT6aapxXv5eyuH4zUFqjrGm8CtVaMaDigIBmy3ibplYRuMnQRXYE5NLWKPlfADgREeWSyh75nGP-gM" alt="Wins - Conquering New Horizons:" width="768" height="768" /></figure></div>



<p>I am proud of many of my achievements, the most notable of which is that I traveled to the United States and presented at the Agile Testing Days conference. The audience loved my workshop, it&#8217;s about API Testing. I took my family along, and they were so proud of me and yes we had a wonderful holiday after the conference. The United States was always my dream, and when I got through the paper selection, I was most excited and glad I could make it to the conference.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/OisQAYY_bMQ1yOM3HLJ_w0xI8dXDYwSQUrIONgdkSaMjRp5IJKqF8gsiYKVg_Un1MnAnL12OJgYxhdshAGyeZkq7_WQznfuwQDHrnqZk_MtC5yKg4D9Eby6soEMZAH-WZuTIy6UM9SlmwMP2fgW9RGU" alt="Api testing" width="768" height="576" /></figure></div>



<p>In recognition of Women&#8217;s History Month, I am delighted to announce that I am listed among the top 100 women in technology to follow and learn from. This is a really inspiring and diverse list. I am honored to be included on this incredible list:<a href="https://lnkd.in/gT-kn3cc"> https://lnkd.in/gT-kn3cc</a></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/HQE8cUBtDPT0qXdfX8MELhpWn6xRug_mmufpqZgSARpnL5BPoQ3Cg3E_4y_PIcu2w3k-qOwFjCq3_sFN5X2w9D5PVDkvR9bFFt7_xUhHLbFUxZp__-V2cJj5HiLuNp-LPZZAP-R1fkwvZQnx5QnACiE" alt="Pricilla Bilavendran" /></figure></div>



<p>I have been nominated for the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/globant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Globant</a> Awards 2023 under the &#8220;𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫&#8221; category ❤️</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/u1HC2OyrF0jh9CJwdMs98lejQ7g7xP8w7v3ItL2PysvDUg5wDbZk2MrBdN5gQZJRICySJ8lImYlOGKjbajQxDMz0Cl8iR3PfhVvA689XF__XScuGpH9_uv92MqdouWFBp0sGZjdN7_kzZd0_QrusjyA" alt="Inspiring Leader" /></figure></div>



<p>I traveled to a few conferences, and when I got invited to a Software Testing conference in Malaysia, I couldn&#8217;t expect anything more 🙂 How wonderful it is to be able to attend a fantastic conference from your location 😍</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/f53vtv9re1oyxIFiSqq0zpJpKJuI5bhwHyLzW6WdR60P8nc5z7llTGw54epee3vtWf2vaW7BpU7cJJBbYGTzRaHbNi9lHfgSRhKofIPJuxtFngRgptVEAeSAOeqqb9tGB6Geksy16pKD8Rvx115LI_w" alt="Pricilla bilavendran" width="699" height="768" /></figure></div>



<p>I presented on a topic about &#8220;Career Branding&#8221; to my fellow Billenials. They enjoyed the talk and many started to work on their branding and I am so elated to see the improvements after my talk. Isn&#8217;t that every speaker looks forward to? This one topic and this session, remain close to my ❤️</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/7meUiQ8BKR6ldcnQ4ValskEo2fMJsCcEqq4ppPVtkk0rdQlmfWRjRjUgndaqRi_Q-3EItFXYpivGIZUocBTH33cuwPHaCPNhgvgwsFNgK5I9DLaYwE2F9IGgQxrvDkWDkE-Ur5giA_tj4Qx72E4gm1s" alt="career branding" /></figure></div>



<p>I am deeply honored to have received the prestigious &#8220;Best Test Leader&#8221; award by LambdaTest and I couldn&#8217;t be more grateful for this recognition. This award isn&#8217;t just about me; it&#8217;s about the incredible individuals whom I have had the pleasure of working with, the obstacles we&#8217;ve tackled together, and the unwavering support of mentors, my team, colleagues, and friends who have served as a guiding light ⚡</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/pYIbJchHmrNUxihlTtoSGwl4qPjGDY3jJPUcWH3wnNvkQ9NcU4hKpu-tyxivVO5Gs2Bfmv8hK8a5IYqenjZn0Eku-8oH6mkbGKJz4f3cOtsAzH_zhPVAx6pwCF_Y7vU9oXDM2N5_duCuLUsYI09K8aU" alt="lambdatest awards" /></figure></div>



<p class="has-text-align-center">I celebrated four years with Billennium this September.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/uOHoM_FIe3HZbPUy94iq5QnoGbHJkunXpOtAv9y0DAkZJNkrf0I3kB1DcHJR4MUn_p9fNQXvZewbAGYNFqbO5hvWo3mzpecS5zHHuisVO8_ab1IwInihSbW65rwgqaj8q4b4lRpSQGZoK2vUGeci2JQ" alt="Billenium" /></figure></div>



<p>I am thrilled and deeply humbled to share that I am listed as one of the &#8220;Strong Women in IT 2023&#8221; by the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/strong-women-in-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Strong Women in IT</a> community. This recognition means the world to me, and I am immensely grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey ❤️ You can read the report here:<a href="https://lnkd.in/gJMQFsBY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://lnkd.in/gJMQFsBY</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Hd5zq3LSboeWN5T-WtH4W-txdl1QJwGE4DbFv-XekfTXwFDPfsTsC97cfpt9MWwCxs4Ql4KL8yhgAp8jvSMlfz95wHQdlXdf0bRqo0uhlBLNmjYt3qz75y0dXsfJOrVsJ-ULCk0pOChhxP9BAI7Bj64" alt="Strong women in IT" /></figure>



<p>AI is Everywhere, and this year there&#8217;s been a lot of hype around that topic. As a Tester, we need to learn about the tech and tools. So I dived deep and took many courses regarding AI and Machine Learning. I had a great time learning and that&#8217;s how the topic of &#8220;Prompt Engineering&#8221; picked my interest. The LLMs behind the AI systems are evolving. They might not be a replacement for humans, but they can assist you to <strong>SOME EXTENT</strong>. I realized that learning how to write efficient prompts makes a big change to the output from the AI Systems. So based on it, I gave a talk about it at this year&#8217;s TestFlix.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/KfLFrK1Vo1ef4-gh4AyAole1QaEahBsB1XhV8l1zwTTMJFL-HXaNuIol-GpZ1pNSyQRnuxvUCjnut6aMfmZOGl41g60Ha-S5aVh9gC0MsauXowNW1XmS1rSny3QB3m4CBVzRvXZVKibse-kZ3V1Ju5Q" alt="Testflix" /></figure></div>



<h2 id="h-fails-embracing-the-lessons"><span id="Fails_8211_Embracing_the_Lessons"><strong>Fails &#8211; Embracing the Lessons:</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ldvEODxANS3I7Mt5qxPeUl0nARicjkK-zOLbaZ-seOoQ2T6vLpoDu8JIPfZvwou1LhPJzUzJwsnSEZdb7clO4q4k6ATyMkr891IN9QugC1h1GmWQuE5DMlK4zBUi1vZ8agR4KZXk1xpZXutU02oIvTQ" alt="Embracing the lessons" /></figure></div>



<p>Ah, yes you read it right. After seeing all the above achievements, did you think Pricilla&#8217;s life was perfect? Oh no my friend! Nothing is perfect.</p>



<p>This year, I encountered my fair share of failures and glitches that made me question my abilities. But with each failure came a valuable lesson. Yes, trust me.</p>



<p>On the work front, there were a lot of changes in the hierarchy, ways of working which were a bit stressful and needed to be more adaptive. We all survived though. Fortunately, I have a great team, they were very supportive and caring ❤️</p>



<p>I was handling a lot of mental struggle, which made me unfit to focus and hampered my concentration. And yes some health issues, which made me motivated to lose a few pounds. I feel much better now 😍 and gearing up for 2024!!</p>



<h2 id="h-biggest-learnings"><span id="Biggest_Learnings"><strong>Biggest Learnings</strong></span></h2>



<p>As every year, 2023 gave and taught me so much.</p>



<p>In the ever-evolving world of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, the biggest learnings often extend beyond the lines of code. Testing is not just about finding bugs; it&#8217;s about building bridges between teams, fostering a culture of shared responsibility, and ensuring that the final product is usable. I learned the importance of usability and accessibility of the products, which made me learn and implement more about it.</p>



<p>Some things can wait, so no pressure. One at a time, and not overwhelm yourself. Even if not, it&#8217;s fine. I can be okay without knowing everything.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/HL1_CrEuaJhtrLRcTl8YssU7uDWmmyuB5bSdGMfmc8g6ewEvZmBuquh8iabjF1RJNR_zxNsGjwi98g0Cue7Nxv_5jjX2yixCT2IAqdA7P4zOaoLSim2E1CqRdelMKTA37zUeB4yizi2kQMv1sI8sPlU" alt="Pricilla Bilavendran" width="768" height="768" /></figure></div>



<h2 id="h-sending-off-2023"><span id="Sending_off_2023"><strong>Sending off 2023!!</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_QYKBSNlDsJz0C5VYIhvzvjF0CK7Twccmr-vz0KKTzjrCA17Gscr1x3OZykSq3rY8cLBySbpPV8hmzM-_dXCYsrhEQw_PHiA7HiqfDPkrb8FAnkhMtrOPzJ6CiPekdP4RMUxWzc3mSA9dqts8LUDXcA" alt="Sendoff 2023" /></figure></div>



<p>As the year comes to a close, I&#8217;m grateful for the victories, humbled by the failures, and inspired by the stories that molded my path. Reading about the layoffs and people losing jobs was so painful, and I am glad that I have a job and I love doing that ❤️ I tried to help many through my free mentoring classes, master classes, blogs, and talks.</p>



<p>It has been a journey of discovery, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a software tester navigating the ever-evolving seas of technology.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-message-for-2024-embrace-the-unknown"><span id="A_Message_for_2024_8211_Embrace_the_Unknown"><strong>A Message for 2024 &#8211; </strong><strong><em>Embrace the Unknown</em></strong></span></h2>



<p>As we stand on the cusp of a new year, my wish for our testing community is to embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity. May your wins be plentiful, your failures be stepping stones to greatness, and your bug tales be stories that spark the imagination. Let&#8217;s continue to build bridges, share knowledge, and navigate the ever-shifting currents of technology with resilience and a pioneering spirit.</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s to a year of learning, resilience, upskilling, and the steadfast spirit of a tester navigating the ever-changing technological environment. Happy testing, and cheers to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the lines of code and beyond ❤️</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/o86wFQem3bemdDQMKNKywICLVnsm33q9A2ZRz-kRkTsTFv2RdLnjZkftLD0odjGnBbsgoFh4fpZ1zV8PqYlHqeyJl90ejkP57BdOtywvQOU5htirDZbNbTvkReTRTUdJ33v_PBTjZ0Xn7S9A61RAcaU" alt="Happy testing" /></figure></div>


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