Result-driven Testing -- TestGoal and the Ten Test Principles -- Test Expertise -- The Approach -- Getting Started -- Step 1 - Goal -- Assessing the Anticipated Goal -- Step 2 - Approach -- Test Risk Analysis -- Generic Test Strategy -- Test Budget and Planning -- Test Plan -- Step 3 - Design -- Sanity Check -- Logical Test Design -- The Physical Test Design -- Test Data -- Test Environment -- Step 4 - Set up -- Test Automation -- Smoke Test -- Step 5 - Execution -- Test Execution -- Error Logging and Management -- Test Reporting -- Step 6 - Assurance -- Assurance.

Software testing is traditionally seen as a difficult and time consuming activity that is hard to embed in the software development process. This book provides a different view. It explains to stakeholders how testing can add value to software development and doing business, and provides the tester with practical information. TestGoal is not just another methodology. Several good testing methodologies exist. But, like any other profession, also testing encompasses more than the simple application of a methodology. After all, strict adherence to a specific methodology is no guarantee for success. Success stems from the mindset, enthusiasm, knowledge and skill of the tester. These factors determine whether a methodology is applied successfully and whether testing takes on a result-driven character. And that’s what TestGoal is about: a result-driven attitude, testing principles and expertise as fundament, and a hands-on six step plan to enable result-driven testing. Derk-Jan de Grood and his colleagues from Collis, an international software testing company, know about the main pitfalls in test projects from their extensive professional experience. TestGoal has emerged from the office floor and captures over a decade of best practice. TestGoal is made by professionals for professionals, and it combines the mindset, knowledge, and skills required to add value with testing and make software development more successful. This book explains in a clear language how you can make testing result-driven. It explains why testing is important and describes all of the activities involved in testing. It is enriched with recognizable examples, practical tips and useful checklists. This makes it a "GO kit" that enables testers to immediately get started and add value to their organization.