18 | Testing literature
Production System, the Theory guy called Gojko Azdic. I'd heard
of Constraints and I am currently of him through his work on Fitnesse,
reading up on one of the latest buzzes, we exchanged email addresses and
Kanban. The arguments still continue a while later I was one of several
on mailing lists and blog posts about people helping review his latest
whether producing a computer work – Bridging the Communication
program is like engineering or art, can Gap. An excellent read and I was
we apply lessons from building bridges flattered to find my name on the
or learn from how drama companies credit and a quote from me at
produce a play? the start. This has given me some
inspiration for thinking about
6. The Secrets of Consulting possibly writing a book myself –
by Jerry Weinberg and this article could be the first
No list of test/QA books could be small step. The book itself has
complete without a Weinberg book. been getting (quite rightly) excellent
All seven of my selections here reviews and explains how specification
could have been his books and the by example and agile acceptance
man himself is a fine example – he testing work and the problems they
is in his 70s and still writing and still attempt to solve.
enthusiastic and keen to share his As you can see from the photo, my
knowledge and experience. bookcase has far more than seven
I settled for this one as I was moving books in but the books listed above
into the consulting field and so needed are the ones that have really made me
to know about the Law of Raspberry think, been an influence on me – and
Jam, the Orange Juice Test, Prescott's now potentially others as I lend out
Pickle Principle and The Jiggler Role. As my copies (I have become known as
you might be able to tell from that list, 'The Librarian' at work).
the book is not a checklist of actions This article might now influence
No list of test/QA books
to be done – it makes you think about others. I'll have to keep an eye on could be complete without
yourself, interactions with people and the Amazon sales ranking to see if
a Weinberg book. All seven
the role of a consultant. there is a spike of sales in any of the
books listed!
of my selections here
7. Bridging the Communication
could have been his books
Gap by Gojko Azdic Phil Kirkham's comment, War! and the man himself is a
Skillsmatter offers free courses and What is it good for? Absolutely
fine example – he is in his
I attended one about agile testing nothin’! appears on the new
70s and still writing and
presented by Antony Marcano. There T.E.S.T Online website at
is usually a small audience at these www.testmagazineonline.com.
still enthusiastic and keen
talks so it’s easy to get to know other
Phil Kirkham
Test consultant
to share his knowledge
people and I found myself outside
1
www.randsinrepose.com/archives/2009/08/08/
www.acutest.co.uk
and experience.
a pub chatting with Antony and a
the_book_stalker.html
T.E.S.T | September 09 www.testmagazineonline.com
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52