Testing resource
Mnemonics every tester should keep close
Mnemonics are a powerful way to capture great ideas — reminders that help testers work systematically and not forget the crucial stuff. Many sources I followed over the years went stale, with broken links and references. So, after a discussion with Karen N. Johnson, I rebuilt and updated her Testing Mnemonics as a Card Deck into this revamped, link-fixed repository.
Bug advocacy & test reporting
RIMGEN
Bug advocacy · Dr. Cem Kaner
Replicate it, Isolate it, Maximize it, Generalize it, Externalize it, Neutral tone
MCOASTER
Test reporting · Michael D. Kelly
Mission, Coverage, Obstacles, Audience, Status, Techniques, Environment, Risk
FCC CUTS VIDS
Touring heuristics · Michael D. Kelly
Feature, Complexity, Claims, Configuration, User, Testability, Scenario, Variability, Interoperability, Data, Structure
PROOF
Session-based reporting · Jon Bach
Past, Results, Obstacles, Outlook, Feelings
HISToW
Test notes reporting · Cassandra H. L.
How It’s Supposed To Work
CRAIC SOURCERERS
How to test like a tester · Cassandra H. L.
Curious, Risk-based, Alert, Investigate, Complementary, Systematic, Obvious, Unusual, Realistic, Creative, Exploratory, Resourceful, Experimental, Repeatable, Scientific
Mobile testing
I SLICED UP FUN
Mobile testing · Jonathan Kohl
Inputs, Store, Location, Interactions/Interruptions, Communications, Ergonomics, Data, Usability, Platform, Function, User scenarios, Network
MOBILE APP TESTING
Mobile testing · Daniel Knott
Mobile device, Orientation, Browsers, Interrupts, Look, Energy consumption, Automation, Performance, Personas, Time, Ergonomics, Security, Tracking, Inputs, Network, Guidelines
Test planning, regression & strategy
SLIME
Ordering of tasks · Adam Goucher
Security, Languages, Requirements, Measurement, Existing
FAILURE
Error handling heuristics · Ben Simo
Functional, Appropriate, Impact, Log, UI, Recovery, Emotions
SPIES
Internationalization testing · Nancy Kelln
Special characters, Pages & content, Integrations, Error messages, Special formats
RCRCRC
Regression testing · Karen N. Johnson
Recent, Core, Risk, Configuration, Repaired, Chronic
GRATEDD SCRIPTS
Test strategy · Jared Quinert
Goals, Risks, Approach, Tradeoffs, Environment, Dependencies, Data, Stakeholders, Coverage models, Resources, Information needs, Prioritization, Tooling, Schedule
Exploratory testing & requirements
MR.Q COMP GRABC R&R
Exploration skills & tactics · Jon Bach
Modeling, Resourcing, Questioning, Chartering, Observing, Manipulating, Pairing, Generating/Elaborating, Refocusing, Alternating, Branching/Backtracking, Conjecturing, Recording, Reporting
MUTII
Testing heuristics · Jonathan Kohl
Market, Users, Tasks, Information, Implementation
WWWWWH/KE
Requirements analysis · Darren McMillan
Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, Knowledge, Experience
Project environment & learning
CIDTESTD
Project environment, “Kid Tested” · James Bach
Customers, Information, Developer relations, Team, Equipment & tools, Schedule, Test items, Deliverables
FEW HICCUPS
Testing without requirements · James Bach
Familiarity, Explainability, World, History, Image, Comparable product, Claims, User expectations, Product, Purpose, Standards and statutes
SACKED SCOWS
Learning heuristics · James Bach
Scouting obsessively, Authentic problems, Cognitive savvy, Knowledge attracts knowledge, Experimentation, Disposable time, Stories (contrasting ideas, skepticism, critical thinking), Other minds, Words and pictures, Systems thinking
Automation & quality
TERMS
Test automation · Albert Gareev
Tools & technology, Execution, Requirements & risks, Maintenance, Security
CRUSSPIC STMPL
Quality criteria heuristics · James Bach
Capability, Reliability, Usability, Security, Scalability, Performance, Installability, Compatibility, Supportability, Testability, Maintainability, Portability
Testing techniques & coverage
DUFFSSCRA FDSFSCURA
Testing techniques · James Bach
Domain, User, Function, Flow, Stress, Scenario, Claims, Risk, Automatic
SFDIPOT
Coverage heuristics, “San Francisco Depot” · James Bach
Structure, Function, Data, Interface, Platform, Operations, Time