Old Tools, new tricks - how to choose tools

As the tech world continues to evolve at a fast pace, there’s always something new to try—whether it’s the latest programming language or cutting-edge automation tool. However, as Benjamin Bischoff explores in this week’s newsletter, newer tools aren’t always the best fit for every team or project. Sometimes, the value lies in revisiting older tools that have stood the test of time.

In this edition of Coding Jag, we also bring you a variety of content pieces designed to expand your technical knowledge—from understanding the differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control to exploring Pinterest's approach to Change Data Capture at scale. We’ve rounded up some valuable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Happy reading!

News

1. Quality Assurance vs Quality Control: Key Differences

Quality in software development is the foundation of customer trust and brand success. In this blog, Zikra Mohammadi breaks down the key differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control, shedding light on their unique roles. A must-read to fine-tune your quality strategy and consistently deliver outstanding software.

2. Stateful workload operator: stateful systems on Kubernetes at LinkedIn

Michael Youssef , zheyi Y. , and Daniel Cheng share how LinkedIn reimagined managing stateful applications by transitioning from a custom scheduler to Kubernetes. With a unique Stateful Workload Operator and Application Cluster Manager, they simplify lifecycle operations and enhance reliability. Dive in to explore their innovative approach to scaling stateful systems effectively!

3. Change Data Capture at Pinterest

Pinterest Engineering unveils a cutting-edge Generic CDC solution tailored for high-scale systems, addressing challenges like scalability, failover recovery, and task duplication. Learn how they optimized real-time data processing and enhanced platform efficiency—perfect for anyone working with large-scale data architectures!

4. To copy a testing process “is to invite disaster”

Blindly mimicking another company’s testing process can lead to failure, warns Mike Harris CITP FBCS , highlighting Deming's "System of Profound Knowledge." By understanding systems, variation, knowledge, and psychology, you can craft testing strategies that truly fit your organization. This post offers a thoughtful guide to building processes rooted in deep understanding.

5. How Can I Test This? Book

Curious about how to approach testing different software features? “How Can I Test This?” by Nicola Lindgren offers practical, example-driven insights, focusing on real-world scenarios and test heuristics. Packed with tips on tools, assumptions, and scope limitations, this book is a valuable resource for testers at any level looking to refine their craft and gain fresh ideas.

AI

6. Autonomous Testing: A Detailed Guide

Harish Rajora explores how AI and machine learning can revolutionize your testing process, reducing manual effort and boosting efficiency. This comprehensive guide breaks down the stages, tools, and benefits of autonomous testing, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to stay ahead in the testing game.

7. Exploring AI Tools and their Applications

Beth Marshall shares her hands-on experiences with emerging AI tools and technologies, from experimenting with Anthropic’s Claude to exploring Github Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. She also dives into practical AI applications like napkin.ai and reflects on her journey with Mark Winteringham’s Software Testing with Gen AI. This post offers a blend of useful insights, real-world examples, and tools to help you navigate the evolving world of AI.

Automation

8. How to Scrape Jobs Data from Indeed

Victor Yakubu ’s article walks you through the process of scraping job listings from sites like Indeed using Python, providing key insights into collecting valuable data for analysis. He highlights the importance of proxies in overcoming web scraping challenges such as IP blocking and CAPTCHA. Get practical guidance and recommendations for smooth and efficient data extraction.

9. Android Snapshot testing. Paparazzi. Failing unit tests. Edgecases

Snapshot testing with Paparazzi can be a breeze, but as Natalia Kulbaka discovered, when legacy code is involved, it turns into a complex challenge. In this candid post, she shares her struggle with failing unit tests, architecture issues, and edge cases, offering insights on how to navigate these hurdles.

10. Netflix Engineers Rethink Mock Testing for GraphQL

Imagine being able to test your code in an environment that mirrors production—without the hassle. Netflix is rethinking mock testing for GraphQL, aiming to create smarter, scalable solutions for developers.? B. Cameron Gain ’s blog shows how their innovative approach is reshaping testing and what it means for the future of DevOps. Dive into the details to see how these strategies could streamline your own testing workflows.

11. Choosing between : Speed, Quality, Cost - in Test Automation

Navigating the tricky balance of speed, quality, and cost in test automation is no easy feat. Millan K. explores how prioritizing two of these aspects often means sacrificing the third and offers insights on how a long-term vision can help teams inch closer to that ideal equilibrium. If you're grappling with these trade-offs, this post provides valuable strategies for sustainable success in test automation.

Tools

12. Announcing Uno Platform Studio featuring Hot Design

Introducing a new era of app development, Uno Platform Studio introduces Hot Design?—a Visual Designer that integrates seamlessly with your workflow, enabling real-time design adjustments and instant code synchronization. With Hot Reload and Design-to-Code, it streamline the process from design to delivery. Read about this amazing tool that promises to elevate your cross-platform .NET development experience—join the waitlist now for early access!

13. Old Tools, new tricks - how to choose tools

In the tech world, it’s easy to be drawn to the latest tools, but are newer options always the best? Benjamin Bischoff dives into the biases and practical dilemmas that shape tool selection, highlighting the value of both new and old tech. This post offers valuable insights on making smarter choices, ensuring you pick tools that truly deliver results.

Other

14. Podcast: Does the role of the SDET have a future?

In this episode of the Testing Peers podcast, Chris Armstrong , David Maynard , Richard Bradshaw , and Al Goodall dive into the future of the SDET role, exploring its responsibilities, challenges, and differences from a test automation engineer. They also touch on the best live albums. Listen now to gain insights on the evolving role of the SDET!

15. Video: 15 Playgrounds For Software Tester

In this video, Daniel Knott shares 15 fantastic playgrounds for software testers, perfect for both automation and enhancing your exploratory testing skills. From demo applications to security-focused apps, these resources are great for hands-on practice. Watch now for a practical guide to improving your testing techniques, and let Daniel know if you have any other playgrounds to share!

Events?

16.? Event: From Data to Decisions: How AI is Transforming Quality Assurance

Join us on 4th December 2024 at 08:30 PM IST for an exclusive online event featuring Jaya Jaya Prakash Peddineni , Founder & CEO of CODETRU, and Mudit Singh , Head of Growth and Marketing at LambdaTest. Get insights on how AI is revolutionizing QA processes, making it smarter, faster, and more data-driven. Don't miss out on insights from industry leaders!

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