A Conversation with a Testing Pioneer

Podcast Episode: A Conversation with a Testing Pioneer

Who doesn't know him? His book is practically required reading in software testing. But there were other times too. When Andreas was a student, software testing was not only uncommon, it was almost frowned upon. However, Andreas recognized the need and, above all, the importance of establishing a considered, structured approach to testing software. "Basiswissen Softwaretest" was published back in 2002 and has not lost any of its importance to this day. I talk to Andreas about the past 30 years of software testing, with a few anecdotes and a wealth of experience.

"So an error culture, that you own up to your mistakes, that would be something where there is still a lot to do. Not just in software development, but in general!" - Andreas Spillner

Andreas Spillner was Professor of Computer Science at Bremen University of Applied Sciences until 2017. For over 10 years from 1991, he was spokesman for the TAV "Testing, Analysis and Verification of Software" section of the Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), which he co-founded. He was involved in the "German Testing Board" e.V. from the beginning until 2009 and was then appointed an honorary member. He was appointed a Fellow of the GI in 2007. Together with Tilo Linz, he was awarded the "German Prize for Software Quality" in 2022. He is a member of the ASQF Executive Committee. His work focuses on software engineering, quality assurance and testing. He is the author or co-author of books (e.g. "Basiswissen Softwaretest", "Lean Testing für C++- Programmierer - Angemessen statt aufwendig testen") and themed issues of journals. He has also published numerous articles in journals and given presentations at international and national conferences and seminars.

Highlights der Episode

• How Andreas came to testing
• The genesis of his book "Basiswissen Softwaretest"
• Why the book has been successful for over 20 years
• The biggest upheaval in software testing since its publication
• Andreas' ideas to break down the wall between developers and testers
• Richie and Andreas' exchange about prioritization in testing
• When testing is seen as destructive
• Andreas' wish for the next 20 years

Basic knowledge of software testing: How Andreas Spillner shaped testing

Today I talk to Andreas Spillner, a pioneer of software testing in Germany, about the past, present and future of testing. He shares his experiences and insights into the development of testing and his vision for the future.

From the dissertation to the testing community

Andreas completed his doctorate at the University of Bremen on a topic in the field of testing. His commitment to quality assurance led him to found the GI-TAV with the aim of establishing an exchange within the German testing community. This initiative was an important step towards making the topic of software testing better known in Germany.

The book that changed everything

The book 'Basiswissen Software Test' was initially written out of a desire to provide a systematic introduction to testing and at the same time close a gap in the German-language literature. Over two decades, it has not only established itself as a standard work, but has also influenced generations of testers. Andreas' journey to becoming a book author was characterized by coincidences and fortunate circumstances, but his deep understanding of the subject matter is reflected on every page.

The future of testing

Andreas looks ahead to the next 20 years in the field of software testing. He sees a world ahead in which AI will play a greater role, but in which challenges such as the need for a better error culture and closer collaboration between developers and testers will remain. His vision includes a greater modularization of software systems and a shift towards generative programming.

Testing is not a destructive process

One thing is particularly close to Andreas' heart: changing the perception that testing is a destructive process. Instead, he emphasizes the constructive aspect of testing - it's about uncovering weaknesses and ultimately helping to improve the software.

Farewell thoughts and outlook

At the end of our conversation, Andreas reflects on his achievements to date and what lies ahead. He shares his hopes for the field of software testing and calls on all developers to embrace systematic testing with an open mind. A special thanks to Andreas for his dedication, passion and contribution to the testing community in Germany.