I was reading part of the July 2004 Software Tech News. I noted your criticism of "software testing as an art." I do understand why you would say that -- that certain people claim they are artists as a way of saying they do not care to have a disciplined process.

I claim that nearly every artist does have a disciplined process. I have observed my wife doing watercolor painting. Whenever she changes paper, brush or paint, she does some number of test drawings. She has to have a detailed understanding of how the materials work together and master the techniques she will use. It is important to understand the mistakes that are inherent in the process. Then it is possible to execute so that the mistakes do not compromise the end product.

If she happens to be in a rush and skips the test drawing, she inevitably has to throw away the first version -- usually before it is finished.

Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci were famous for making many detailed sketches in preparation. They mixed and tested materials they would use in their frescos. I also know a couple of sculptors who like to work with new and different materials. They spend a great deal of time learning how to work with the new material before attempting a product.

Let's not demean artists by claiming we can be creative without a process. We should realize that true artists do follow a disciplined process and calibrate their work. Good testers would do likewise.

 

Bob Ferguson

Sr. Member of the Technical Staff

Software Engineering Institute

Carnegie Mellon University