Oracles are everywhere

Aug 20, 2025

Create Memory
The word "ORACLES" in large, yellow text. A collage of four polaroid-style photos on a purple, starry background. The photos are arranged in two rows. t.  A headshot of a smiling woman with glasses, looking at a man in a black shirt, who is partially visible. A 3D illustration of a tree trunk with roots, and a human brain as the treetop, with the left hemisphere colored blue and the right hemisphere colored in various bright colours. The bottom row has two photos: Left: A landscape photo of a green field under a cloudy blue sky. Right: A close-up shot of a laptop keyboard with a variety of colourful app icons floating above it. The words "ARE EVERYWHERE" appear under the photos on the right-hand side.
In this memory: 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

Community Lead at Ministry of Testing
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.
Sign in to comment
See you at TestBash Brighton 2025. image
Proud TestBash sponsor! Visit the Test Exchange to meet our expert software testing team.
Explore MoT
Plymouth Meetup image
Tue, 14 Oct
Second Plymouth Software QA and Testing Meetup Group in Southway
MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate image
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.
This Week in Testing image
Debrief the week in Testing via a community radio show hosted by Simon Tomes and members of the community
Subscribe to our newsletter
We'll keep you up to date on all the testing trends.