Abstract

You may not be aware, but you perform estimates every day.  Can you get across a busy road without being run over?  How long will it take to get to work this morning?  Will your team win the cup this year?  Subconsciously or consciously, you are estimating.

Testing is infinite.  But testers never have “enough” time.  But how long should we have to test?  How long will “enough” testing take?  There are many ways to estimate the effort needed, from complex algorithms that can only be used by mathematical doctorates, to a hopeful guess by a tester answering a “loaded question”.

Using interactive exercises, practical examples and case studies, this workshop will explore how estimation can both affect and influence testing.  Topics covered will include:

• What is an estimate?  What is a target? How do they differ?
• How “good” an estimator are you?
• Is it better to underestimate or overestimate?
• Debunking the “myths” of test estimation
• Exploring different models of test estimation development
• Provide case studies and practical examples of test estimation in action

Bio

Keith Yorkston has done many things, from engineering to teaching to software development and testing.  He has been testing software for 9 years, much of which has been based around effective test automation.  He has worked in a wide variety of industries and across many different technologies helping to ensure effective and efficient software delivery.  Keith is currently a principal consultant and trainer for SQS-UK.