The software testing books you must read in 2020
I’m glad to say that this year, I’ve read a lot of books.
Unfortunately, I’ve not read a lot of books dedicated to software testing, choosing to read blogs, watch videos, and attend conferences to get my software testing inspiration.
But still, 41 so far, a personal best for me for books read in a single year.
I’ve achieved that number by always carrying my Kindle with me, reading instead of wasting time and most of all, loving the books I’m reading.
Reading has become one of my favourite ways to learn new ideas, discover concepts I find interesting, and upgrade my knowledge in new areas.
However, with the year (and decade), coming to a close, a new intention that I intend to adopt is to increase my software testing book library and read as many of the amazing books on the industry that I can.
Below is a small selection of the books I’ve had recommended to me, either by colleagues in the industry or by the Amazon algorithm that seems to know me so well.
Python Testing with pytest
Python is one of my favorite languages to code in.
From coding simple web scrapers to games, utilities, and even fully fledged web applications. Python is one of the most popular, and versatile languages in use today.
I’ve previously used pytest with Selenium Web driver to code a simple test (code here) but I know that I have only scratched the surface of this framework and can’t wait to find out more.
You can purchase this book here.
How Google Tests Software
A book that’s already on my Kindle but haven’t got round to reading just yet.
Google is one of my most respected technology companies. From the work that they put out, to the way their employees talk about the company. The aura that surrounds Google appears to ooze quality and awesomeness.
Even though the book is 8 years old at this point. Find out how Google approaches their software testing activities and being able to pick up tips along the way. Should make this a must-read book for many years to come.
You can purchase this book here.
Explore It!: Reduce Risk and Increase Confidence with Exploratory Testing
Exploratory testing is one of the best ways to find those bugs in your application that are hard to test for in more formal software testing approaches using test scripts.
And knowing how to perform exploratory testing well will enable you to be more creative with your testing, know which areas of an application are most likely to possess hidden bugs and be more useful in your software testing team.
Full of tips on the subject and informative examples to study. This book sounds like an enjoyable, practical, and educational read.
You can purchase this book here.
Test Driven Development: By Example
If the concept of Test Driven Development is alien to you, here’s a quick overview.
Test-Driven Development (or TDD), is developing your application by writing tests first. Then writing code until those tests pass and everything is green.
We can apply this when developing test automation scripts or test frameworks and in my experience, can speed up development time and makes software development even more fun.
You can purchase this book here.
Clean Agile: Back to Basics
An excellent introduction to the Agile method written by the renowned software engineer Uncle Bob.
This book is an oasis of knowledge and principles that cover the history of Agile, and as the title suggests, it takes you back to the basics for a clear understanding of what Agile is and is not.
A perfect introduction to the core concepts of Agile and for fans of Uncle Bob’s teachings.
You can purchase this book here.
Bonus book: So Good They Can’t Ignore You
Is finding a job you’re passionate about the best career advice?
Taking its title from a Steve Martin quote about his career, this book argues against the ‘passion hypothesis’ by providing accounts of many people who grew a successful career, not out of what they were passionate about. But what they were already good at.
But how can you grow those skills? And what steps do you need to take to be so good they can’t ignore you?
This book is one of the best that I read in 2019 and would highly recommend that anyone takes the time to read it.
You can purchase this book here.
