Oracles are everywhere
20 Aug 2025
In this moment:
Lena Nyström
The "Testing using oracles" STEC lesson by Lena Nyström is an important one. She expertly works with many types of oracles during Lesson 4 of Module 10 of STEC (Software Testing Essentials Certificate).
We should be making more use of oracles. They are everywhere. Oracles reveal themselves in our physical spaces, in various ways online, in conversations with people, in our long and short-term memory and many more places.
Oracles provide us with information to help us explore risks – things that might threaten the value of the thing we're testing. They help spark ideas and make decisions.
Besides common oracles like requirement specifications, acceptance criteria, and legal regulations, some of the most interesting ones come from less obvious places.
Where else have you found your most effective oracles?
🤩 STEC is complete! 19 modules, 59 voices, and a jam-packed portfolio to show your growth. Find out more: https://www.ministryoftesting.com/memories/stec-is-complete-19-modules-59-voices-and-a-jam-packed-portfolio-to-show-your-growth
We should be making more use of oracles. They are everywhere. Oracles reveal themselves in our physical spaces, in various ways online, in conversations with people, in our long and short-term memory and many more places.
Oracles provide us with information to help us explore risks – things that might threaten the value of the thing we're testing. They help spark ideas and make decisions.
Besides common oracles like requirement specifications, acceptance criteria, and legal regulations, some of the most interesting ones come from less obvious places.
Where else have you found your most effective oracles?
🤩 STEC is complete! 19 modules, 59 voices, and a jam-packed portfolio to show your growth. Find out more: https://www.ministryoftesting.com/memories/stec-is-complete-19-modules-59-voices-and-a-jam-packed-portfolio-to-show-your-growth
Simon Tomes
Community Lead at MoTaverse
he/him
Hello, I'm Simon. Since 2003 I've had various roles in testing, tech leadership and coaching. I believe in the power of collaboration, creativity and community. 🎓 MoT-STEC qualified.
Open To
Write
Teach
Speak
Mentor
CV Reviews
Podcasting
Meet at MoTaCon 2026
Review Conference Proposals
Sign in
to comment
Better than a generic video, see YOUR test, live, ready to show you what matters most: quality at scale.
Explore MoT
QALS Summer 2026: a leadership summit to move beyond AI testing pilots and build production-ready, AI-first QA organizations - powered by the BrowserStack AI Test Platform and 25+ connected AI agents
Boost your career in software testing with the MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate. Learn essential skills, from basic testing techniques to advanced risk analysis, crafted by industry experts.
Into the MoTaverse is a podcast by Ministry of Testing, hosted by Rosie Sherry, exploring the people, insights, and systems shaping quality in modern software teams.
