Realized that the word "context" is shorthand for the cumulative effect of all the past decisions that we cannot change now. Decisions about what business we're in, which clients we serve, what compromises we made, where we've invested time and effort, and where we didn't.
All of it adds up. And here and now we are deciding things that will become tomorrow's context.
— Elisabeth Hendrickson
Context
5th February 2025
Context in software testing is hard to define as it is influenced by so many different factors. The three bedrocks of time, cost and quality can all make huge differences to a projects context and therefore the testing too. While it can be difficult to define generally, understanding the context your testing will take place in can be very beneficial in supporting quality testing. Whether there are time constraints, regulation or compliance challenges or high levels of complexity. Or indeed a million and one other things that can influence it. Context will help you discover risks, empathise with users and help you prioritise testing efforts.
Context is in some ways like a sea. It ebbs, flows and its tides shift as things from small pebbles to the moon influence and affect it. Context can be shifted or changed by new information or new discoveries. Every project, no matter how similar to another, has its own unique set of circumstances, constraints and objectives.
Context is in some ways like a sea. It ebbs, flows and its tides shift as things from small pebbles to the moon influence and affect it. Context can be shifted or changed by new information or new discoveries. Every project, no matter how similar to another, has its own unique set of circumstances, constraints and objectives.
20th March 2025
On the 1st & 2nd of October 2025 we're back in Brighton for TestBash: the largest software testing conference in the UK
Explore MoT
Tue, 6 May
The Future of Testing in an Automated World: Embracing Continuous Learning and A
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. Early access available now at a discounted rate!
A one-day educational experience to help business lead with expanding quality engineering and testing practices.
Debrief the week in Testing via a community radio show hosted by Simon Tomes and members of the community
