From Brave Padawan to Wise Jedi: 10 books for the QA Path
The path to QA excellence is not an easy one. So, only a brave and determined person can walk it.
But how can you walk this path faster, spending minimum resources and getting the maximum knowledge? We are happy to show you the way! Our list of top 10 books on software testing will certainly help you to become a true QA Jedi.
So, don’t hesitate to start your path from a young Padawan to a software testing Master. And let a good book on QA be your teacher.
#1 How to Break Software: A Practical Guide to Testing by James A. Whittaker (2003)
Why this book is useful: It introduces novice testers to the world of software testing, describing all the methods and techniques of and approaches to Quality Assurance.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: It is a classic book on fundamentals of software testing that explains everything a QA newbie needs to know in an easy-to-understand way with much practical advice. Even a seasoned QA engineer may find a few great tips there.
#2 The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb (2007)
Why this book is useful: It will help you learn to “think like a tester” and consider events and risks that may seem impossible.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: Focusing on the examples of failures in the financial systems, the book helps you to make valuable conclusions that can be applied to software testing.
#3 The Domain Testing Workbook by Cem Kaner, Douglas G. Hoffman, and Sowmya Padmanabhan (2013)
Why this book is useful: What are the actual tasks software testers regularly perform? All the necessary information about QA practice and theory can be found in this book.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: You will hardly find a book with more extensive information on software testing ideas, approaches, and techniques sorted by risks, inputs, and data types.
#4 The Art of Software Testing by Glenford J. Myers, Corey Sandler, and Tom Badgett (1979)
Why this book is useful: This book does a great job of providing all the essential information on software testing in a very efficient way.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: It contains a succinct but comprehensive description of testing principles and all the main testing types: from web testing and test automation to compatibility and security testing.
#5 Agile Testing by Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory (2008)
Why this book is useful: Agile is one of the most trending topics in the world of software development and testing nowadays. You definitely want to have a confident grasp of this methodology.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: This book will teach everything you need to know about the way Agile works. You will learn what the Agile quadrant is, explore the real cases of QA teams applying the Agile methodology, and find out how to ensure an effective Agile transformation and work of a team.
#6 Beautiful Testing: Leading Professionals Reveal How They Improve Software by Tim Riley and Adam Goucher (2009)
Why this book is useful: This book provides a deep insight into the work of the best software testers. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to get inspired by the leading professionals in the field and explore the fascinating side of QA with them.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: All chapters are written by different authors who share their real life experience in testing with the readers. This book will help you to learn everything about the testing processes, tools, and procedures, and about the best ways to apply this knowledge in your work.
#7 Advanced Software Testing, Guide to the ISTQB Advanced Certification as an Advanced Technical Test Analyst by Rex Black (2008)
Why this book is useful: It contains a great number of practical examples and exercises written in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: The book is filled with memorable practical advice and tips on test analysis, design, and execution.
#8 How Google Tests Software by James A. Whittaker, Jason A. Joseph, and Jeff Carollo (2012)
Why this book is useful: It will give you access to the software testing experience of the most outstanding QA Jedi.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: It contains enlightening interviews with Google QA engineers about the mechanisms and processes of testing, as well as their forecasts for the future of the QA industry. You will also be able to enjoy much professional humor.
#9 Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug (2000)
Why this book is useful: It helps you better understand the end users, their way of experiencing websites, and their goals.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: It will explain everything you need to know about usability in a humorous and easy way.
#10 Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach by Paul C. Jorgensen (2002)
Why this book is useful: It will help you really deepen your knowledge in the field of QA and software testing.
How this book helps you improve as a tester: It provides an in-depth explanation of code-based and specification-based testing, so this book is better suited for those who already know the QA basics.
Conclusion
As the path of a QA Jedi cannot be called very easy, you cannot walk it alone. But the books on your shelf can become your loyal friends and guides.
Reading the books from our list will definitely make your ascent to the heights of QA easier and more interesting. The most important part is to apply the knowledge you got from the books in practice.
We wish you luck in your testing journey!
