10 thought-provoking software testing books for QA leaders

Anton Bravin
Updated on
Sep 9, 2024
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Non-fiction literature can offer valuable insights and innovative solutions for challenging tasks. When it comes to software testing, books can introduce you to complex situations you may encounter and how to effectively navigate them. Moreover, you can explore the experience of highly skilled professionals and learn about the creation of some of the world's most renowned products. Even if you are already a skilled professional, there are always opportunities for improvement. There are no limits in development! Today, we have compiled a list of the most useful books for QA leaders. Choose one that interests you the most and gain insights!

#1. Lessons Learned in Software Testing: A Context-Driven Approach

Author(s): Cem Kaner, James Marcus Bach, Bret Pettichord

The world's foremost software testing authorities share their wealth of experience, guiding you away from the typical pitfalls encountered in software testing. Each of the more than 200 lessons offers a clear statement on software testing. It's followed by a detailed explanation or example. In addition, lessons cover all essential QA areas, including test design, test management, testing strategies, and bug reporting. Examples and explanations of each testing problem illustrate the points of each chapter. This book helps you go through the important testing phase of software development faster and without the usual mistakes.

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#2. Artificial Intelligence and Software Testing

Author(s): Rex Black, James Davenport, Joanna Olszewska, Jeremias Rößler, Jonathon Wright, Adam Leon Smith

Winner of the Independent Press Awards 2023 in the Technology category. This book heralds a new era in software development with the advent of AI. It addresses longstanding issues like bias, which often pose challenges in quality management. The book targets testing and quality management professionals. It delves into the trustworthiness of AI and the complexities of testing machine learning systems. Then, it explores how AI can improve software test automation. Authored by industry experts in software testing and artificial intelligence, the book provides insights into ensuring the trustworthiness of AI-based systems in our daily lives.

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#3. The PRISMA Approach – Practical Risk Based Testing

Author(s): Erik van Veenendaal

The PRISMA approach helps identify critical test areas with high business and technical risks. It is used in Agile projects and taught in universities. This method assists test professionals in analyzing product risks with stakeholders and tailoring test strategies. Practical experience shows benefits like better communication and early defect detection. The book offers a structured approach to risk-based testing, covering risk identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring. It also provides a process for conducting product risk assessments using PRISMA, addressing implementation challenges and real-world lessons.

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#4. Beautiful Testing: Leading Professionals Reveal How They Improve Software

Author(s): Tim Riley, Adam Goucher

This book is a collection of essays by top testers and developers. Each chapter provides real-world experience and knowledge on test processes, procedures, and tools. Learn from experts as they share their insights on making testing an art. From large-scale test automation to performance testing and medical software, this book covers a wide range of topics to help you enhance your testing skills.

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#5. A Practitioner’s Guide to Software Test Design

Author(s): Lee Copeland

This book covers all the essential techniques in an easy-to-follow format, making it ideal for test engineers, developers, quality assurance professionals, and analysts. You'll learn how to choose the best test case design, spot software defects faster, and develop strategies to minimize errors. Plus, you'll gain insights into estimating testing effort, time, and cost. With plenty of case studies and examples, you'll grasp the practical applications of these techniques. Whether you're familiar with classic methods like equivalence classes and boundary value analysis, or newer approaches like use case testing and exploratory testing, this book is your go-to resource for enhancing your skills. Perfect for professionals looking to advance their careers.

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#6. Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams

Author(s): Lisa Crispin, Janet Gregory

Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory, both seasoned agile testing experts, have joined forces to provide you with comprehensive insights into agile testing practices. In their book, they define agile testing and illustrate the tester's role with real-world examples from agile teams. Using the agile testing quadrants, they help you identify testing needs, assign responsibilities, and select appropriate tools. Through the lens of a tester, they walk you through an agile software development iteration, highlighting the seven key success factors of agile testing. By reading this book, you'll discover how to engage testers in agile development, understand the role of testers and QA managers in an agile team, hire the right agile tester, transition from traditional to agile development, conduct testing activities within short iterations, use tests to guide development effectively, and overcome obstacles to test automation. A must-read for agile testers, teams, managers, and customers alike.

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#7. Team Guide to Software Testability: Better software through greater testability

Author(s): Ash Winter, Rob Meaney

Testability is a crucial aspect of modern software, allowing teams to make changes quickly and safely while receiving clear feedback on their impact. A testable product is more likely to satisfy customer needs and drive improvements in speed and agility. This book provides practical insights on how testability brings teams together to observe, control, and understand their systems, enabling them to better meet customer needs and ensure transparent quality and delivery predictability. The book focuses on empowering teams to build and manage software systems effectively. Curated by experienced practitioners, these guides emphasize collaboration and continuous learning, placing the team at the heart of the process.

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#8. Loyalty and Disloyalty, a leader’s manual

Author(s): Dag Heward-Mills

This book offers valuable insights for identifying and handling disloyal individuals while emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with loyal supporters. It offers helpful tips on preventing any splits and conflicts, making it an authoritative handbook for anyone in the QA. With proven principles and strategies outlined transparently, it serves as a valuable resource for QA managers.

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#9. How Google Tests Software

Author(s): James Whittaker, Jason Arbon, Jeff Carollo

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into Google's approach to software testing. It provides valuable insights and thought-provoking ideas for testing professionals and leaders alike. Through detailed explanations of Google's testing infrastructure, roles, and processes, the book offers practical strategies for improving testing practices and driving product quality. From the innovative frameworks for test planning to the development of automated testing tools, the book offers a wealth of actionable advice for streamlining testing processes and enhancing collaboration between developers and testers. The authors' vision for the future of testing is compelling. They advocate for integrating testing into the development process. They also suggest empowering developers to take ownership of testing responsibilities. Whether you're a tester, QA, or a software development leader, this book is a valuable resource that will inspire new approaches to software testing and quality assurance.

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#10. Software Testing Advanced Test Manager Guide for ISTQB Exam certification

Author(s): Catherine Newbould

This book is tailored for software test managers and individuals pursuing careers in software testing and test management. It covers essential topics required to achieve the ISTQB® Advanced Test Manager qualification. With over ninety examples and eleven revision exercises, readers can enhance their understanding and confidence. The book delves into various aspects such as test process, planning, monitoring, test automation, defect management, and process improvement, providing valuable insights and practical guidance. Additionally, it includes two complete practice exam papers with detailed explanations, aligning with the exam structure and question formats. Recommended for intermediate to advanced readers, this resource serves as a valuable tool for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in software test management.

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About the author

Anton Bravin

Product Marketing Manager

8 years on a mission to bridge the gap between cutting-edge products and the audiences who need them most. Anton speaks the languages of developers and customers, allowing him to craft compelling narratives showcasing true value.