What software testers are reading to get better in 2024?

Just for fun I asked the same question to the Oracle of Knowledge :D Chat GPT 4.

Here is the answer I got

In 2024, software testers have a wealth of resources available to stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and best practices. These resources include books, blogs, online communities, and courses that cater to both beginners and experienced testers. Here's an overview of some of the most popular resources:

Books

1. "Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps" by Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene Kim

   • A staple in the industry, this book offers valuable insights into DevOps, continuous delivery, and performance metrics that are crucial for modern software development and testing.

2. "Leading Quality: How Great Leaders Deliver High-Quality Software and Accelerate Growth" by Ronald Cummings-John and Owais Peer

   • This book explores the intersection of quality assurance and business growth, providing actionable strategies for enhancing software quality in fast-paced environments.

3. "A Practical Guide to Testing in DevOps" by Katrina Clokie

   • A hands-on guide for integrating testing into DevOps practices, this book is highly regarded for its practical advice on how to shift testing left and right.

4. "Continuous Testing for DevOps Professionals: A Practical Guide from Industry Experts" edited by Eran Kinsbruner

   • Covering a wide range of continuous testing practices, this book is popular among testers involved in CI/CD pipelines.

5. "Explore It!: Reduce Risk and Increase Confidence with Exploratory Testing" by Elisabeth Hendrickson

   • Exploratory testing remains a key skill, and this book is a go-to resource for those looking to master it.

Blogs

1. Ministry of Testing

   • The Ministry of Testing blog is a comprehensive resource offering articles, tutorials, and discussions on the latest in software testing, automation, and quality assurance.

2. TechBeacon

   • TechBeacon's "Application Development" section regularly publishes high-quality content on testing trends, DevOps, continuous testing, and more.

3. Test Automation University Blog

   • Run by Applitools, this blog complements their free courses with articles on test automation strategies, tools, and frameworks.

4. Angie Jones' Blog

   • Angie Jones, a prominent figure in the test automation community, shares her insights on automation strategies, tools, and the future of testing.

5. Alan Page's Blog (Angry Weasel)

   • Veteran tester Alan Page continues to offer valuable thoughts on testing, software quality, and industry evolution.

Online Communities and Forums

1. ShiftSync by Tricentis

   • ShiftSync is one of the best communities for both developers and QA professionals. Hosted by Tricentis, it offers a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, discussing industry trends, and networking with peers. It’s a must-join for those serious about staying ahead in testing and development.

2. Ministry of Testing Community

   • Beyond just a blog, Ministry of Testing also hosts a lively community where testers can engage in discussions, share knowledge, and participate in events.

3. Stack Overflow (Testing and Quality Assurance Tags)

   • Stack Overflow remains a popular platform for asking and answering specific testing-related questions, especially on technical issues.

4. Reddit - r/softwaretesting

   • The Reddit community for software testers is an active space for sharing news, resources, and engaging in discussions about the latest testing practices.

5. Test Automation University

   • This platform offers free courses on a wide range of test automation topics, taught by industry experts, making it a key resource for testers.

Podcasts

1. TestGuild Automation Podcast

   • Hosted by Joe Colantonio, this podcast is essential for automation testers, featuring interviews with industry experts and discussions on the latest tools and techniques.

2. AB Testing Podcast

   • Hosted by Alan Page and Brent Jensen, this podcast covers modern testing principles, leadership in testing, and the evolving role of the tester.

3. Testing Peers Podcast

   • A podcast by a group of experienced testers discussing various topics related to testing, career growth, and industry trends.

Online Courses and Webinars

1. Test Automation University

   • Offers a wide array of free courses on test automation, covering tools like Selenium, Cypress, and Appium, as well as best practices in CI/CD and DevOps.

2. Udemy & Coursera

   • These platforms continue to offer numerous up-to-date courses on software testing, ranging from basics to advanced topics like AI in testing.

3. Ministry of Testing’s TestBash Events

   • TestBash events, both virtual and in-person, are excellent opportunities to learn from industry experts and network with peers.

These resources provide a comprehensive toolkit for software testers looking to stay at the forefront of their field in 2024, with ShiftSync by Tricentis standing out as a top community for continuous learning and professional growth.

Thanks @IOan , we’re so flattered to be in the list along with MoT. As an avid reader I can also share the books that recently became a new addition to our library in Prague office. Maybe some of them won’t help one to become a better tester, but surely will help to become simply better 🙂

I would love to see how the members of the community would answer that question. Specifically @Bharat2609, @Harish N @Ramanan , @Shabareesh Padma @nissyan @brendon.russell and @Rupesh170394 

What do you recommend in terms of reading material for software testers in 2024?

I would also like to add to the question: what are the influencers (youtubers, etc..) you like to watch for testing content in 2024?

@Shabareesh Padma Thank you for the recommendation. Fun fact: Wolfgang is actually a founder in Tricentis so, good pick 😁

@Mustafa @Kat 

In 2024, software testers are diving into a mix of classic and cutting-edge resources to enhance their skills

• “Accelerate” by Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene Kim: This book remains a must-read for understanding DevOps practices, including continuous testing and deployment strategies that are vital in modern testing environments.

• “AIOps for Dummies” by Sanjeev Sharma: With AI and machine learning transforming how we approach testing, this guide is essential for testers looking to integrate AIOps into their testing strategies, automating more complex tasks.

• “Exploratory Testing” by Elisabeth Hendrickson: This book has gained renewed interest as testers in 2024 focus on more creative and human-centric testing approaches, balancing automation with exploratory testing techniques.

• “Continuous Testing for DevOps Professionals” by Eran Kinsbruner: In an era where continuous integration and delivery are the norms, this book provides critical insights into integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines effectively.

• “API Testing and Development with Postman” by Dave Westerveld: As API-first development continues to rise, testers are brushing up on API testing, with Postman being a key tool. This book is perfect for those looking to deepen their skills in API testing.

• Blogging & Community Discussions: Testers are increasingly turning to blogs and communities like Tricentis, Ministry of Testing, where discussions on the latest tools, trends, and testing challenges happen in real-time.

Hey ​@IOan ,

Nice list. I was searching to learn something new - Saved this post. Personally felt - MoT, Shiftsync are best and also I do like the podcasts, sessions by AI Guild. 

Other than that there is a recent book by James Bach and Bolton - Taking Testing Seriously which I’m planning to read as it’s still not available in India.

And one more is the testing conferences, learnt more by attending them.