The Universal Constants of Software Testing
Software is Rarely Good, Cheap and Fast
This post will be about the topic I like to call the Universal Constants of testing.
What I find really important in my job is to get the business to buy into these constants and once achieved I find that everyone is happier with the end product when it is delivered.
Look at the triangle on the left to get an idea of what I mean by the Universal Constants.
I’ll also give some examples as I find that an example always to explain a new concept.
The basics of the Constant is that
- You can have it Fast and Cheap however it won’t be Good
- You can have it Fast and Good however it won’t be Cheap
- You can have it Good and Cheap however it won’t be Fast.
There is nothing wrong with delivering decent software on time, that’s we we all do everyday hopefully.
what I’m talking about is that one exception to the rule when someone wants something pushed out there quickly, they unfortunately may have a lack of understanding that you are already working to your full capacity.
Once everyone has bought into this way of thinking then you’ll find that they have a more realistic hat on when they are talking about the expected outcomes of a project/product.
There is nothing wrong with a Business Analyst wanting something delivered quicker than usual because they have given at they promise to a customer without checking with you, they will also be wanting it to be “right” on the first release. However for this to happen there will be a cost to the business which means that it won’t be cheap.
You can see where I’m going with this and you can work out the other scenarios in your head for the other two points in the triangle.
It not only a Constant for testing but also for Resources , Scope and Project Schedules.
- The Project can be completed with that many People and within that Deadline however you’ll have to allow us to change the Scope of the Requirement.
- The Project can be completed with many People and with the Requirement you have submitted however you’ll have to allow us to change the Deadline.
- The Project can be completed with that Requirement and the Deadline you require however you’ll have to all us to change the number of Staff required to work on the project.