Testing by itself does not improve software quality. Test results are an indicator of quality, but in and of themselves, they don't improve it. Trying to improve software quality by increasing the amount of testing is like trying to lose weight by weighing yourself more often. What you eat before you step onto the scale determines how much you will weigh, and the software development techniques you use determine how many errors testing will find. If you want to lose weight, don't buy a new scale; change your diet. If you want to improve your software, don't test more; develop better.
Steve McConnellThe default movement on a software project should be in the direction of taking elements of the software away to make it simpler rather than adding elements to make it more complex.
Steve McConnellTrying to apply formal methods to all software projects is just as bad as trying to apply code-and-fix development to all projects.
Steve McConnellIt's OK to figure out murder mysteries, but you shouldn't need to figure out code. You should be able to read it.
Steve McConnellEngineering is the application of scientific principles toward practical ends. If the engineering isn't practical, it's bad engineering.
Steve McConnellTesting by itself does not improve software quality. Test results are an indicator of quality, but in and of themselves, they don't improve it. Trying to improve software quality by increasing the amount of testing is like trying to lose weight by weighing yourself more often. What you eat before you step onto the scale determines how much you will weigh, and the software development techniques you use determine how many errors testing will find. If you want to lose weight, don't buy a new scale; change your diet. If you want to improve your software, don't test more; develop better.
Steve McConnell