Software Testing Live: Episode 07 - Testing transparently

06 May 2026
  • Locked
  • James Lyndsay's profile
  • Ben Dowen's profile
  • Software Testing Live's profile
Software Testing Live: Episode 07 - Testing transparently thumbnail
A free account is required to view this content
Talk Description

In this session, James Lyndsay and Ben Dowen explored generated software.

The session kicked off by generating a subject (a tool built to create word searches) directly from its tests. James and Ben explored the software together to demonstrate initial investigative approaches, before inviting the audience to join the exploration.

Throughout the session, they used a variety of techniques and tools to probe the software, starting with the baseline knowledge that it passed all its pre-defined tests. As they worked, James and Ben shared their thought processes, exchanged ideas and used their discoveries to refine their understanding and identify new exploratory paths.

Participants had direct access to both the software and its tests. Dedicated time was set aside for hands-on exploration, followed by a collaborative "play" session where James and Ben worked through the group's findings in real-time.

While the original tests were hosted at WordGrid_F Tests, a brand-new subject was built specifically for this session to ensure a fresh experience for everyone involved.

👋 Join the Software Testing Live Chapter.

James Lyndsay
Test Strategist
he/his

Black Box puzzles / TestLab / London Exploratory Workshop in Testing. 2015 European Tester Excellence award. Teaches and talks in public. Mentors in private. Independent at work.

Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
He/Him

I explore the world of software development and testing. Join me as I continue my adventures, discovering the wonders of quality.

Chapter Lead
Ambassador
James Lyndsay
Test Strategist
he/his

Black Box puzzles / TestLab / London Exploratory Workshop in Testing. 2015 European Tester Excellence award. Teaches and talks in public. Mentors in private. Independent at work.

Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
He/Him

I explore the world of software development and testing. Join me as I continue my adventures, discovering the wonders of quality.

Chapter Lead
Ambassador
Sign in to comment
Software Testing Live
More Talks
Evals in practice for an AI coding agent

1h 4m 34s

Vibe Coding for QA: Build a PRD-to-Test-Case Generator MoT San Francisco

1h 4m 11s

System design interview for test engineers MoT Manchester

0h 21m 42s

Subscribe to our newsletter