This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Java Buzz by Michael Cote. Original Post: Traits of Testers vs. Developers (PDF): Feed Title: Cote's Weblog: Coding, Austin, etc. Feed URL: https://cote.io/feed/ Feed Description: Using Java to get to the ideal state. Latest Java Buzz Posts Latest Java Buzz Posts by Michael Cote Latest Posts From Cote's Weblog: Coding, Austin, etc.

Good testing is governed by the scientific model. The “theory” being tested is that the software works. Testers design experiments, as Kaner says in Testing Computer Software, to see if they can falsify the “theory.” Good testers know how to design experiments, and they often benefit from previous study of the sciences. Good testers think empirically, in terms of observed behavior.

Developing software, on the other hand, is much like creating theories. Laws are specified and rules are applied. Many developers have benefited from studying mathematics. Good developers think theoretically.

Developers who are focusing on their theory of how the software works might dismiss a bug report that describes behavior not allowed by their software theory. “That can’t happen; it’s not possible.” Good testers focus on what actually happens, and like other experimenters, keep detailed logs. “Well, it did happen; here are the circumstances.” People who are used to thinking theoretically have a hard time accepting aberrant behavior without some kind of explanation. Good testers are skeptics, whereas good developers are believers.

There's several other good comparisons between testers and coders...and all in just 4 pages!