A first step toward saying what we mean when we say "Automated testing"
“In the universe, nothing can be said to be automatic, as nothing can be said to be without design. An imperfect parallel may be found in human inventions; springs may move springs, and wheels, indexes; but the motion and the regulation must be derived from the artist;”
From Elements of Chemical Philosophy Part 1, Vol.1 By Humphry Davy
Of course, the second step will be taking my automation or testing tools course (plug, plug).
similar thoughts on the phrase “Automated testing”….
http://shrinik.blogspot.com/2007/07/mystery-called-automated-testing.html
This one is from Matt Heusser …
http://xndev.blogspot.com/2007/12/testing-philosophy-ii.html
Thanks for the pointers Shrini. My approach is not to get too hung up on the words themself, but to get hung up on the fact that, far too often, we can’t describe what we mean by ‘automate’ *or* ‘testing’. Being aware of different interpretations at least lets us begin meaningful conversations with different groups of people. I’ll have some better references to this when I get my workshop notes up in a few weeks’ time.