As a computer science student getting more into the details of software development, I’ve started to realize how much goes into making sure software actually works the way it’s supposed to. I recently read the article “13 QA Testing Best Practices For 2024” from Testlio, and one part that stood out to me was the idea of risk based testing.
(testlio.com)

Risk based testing is all about using your time and effort wisely. Instead of trying to test every single feature equally, it focuses on the stuff that matters most. You look at what parts of the app are most likely to break or cause problems for users if they fail. Then you make sure those are tested thoroughly before anything else.

The article explains that identifying risky areas early helps teams put their energy in the right place. If you’ve only got so many people and so much time, this method helps avoid wasting those resources. It also means the most important features are solid by the time the app goes live.

This reminded me of a group project I worked on where we made a class management web app. We spent way too much time testing features like color themes and user bios. But when it came to the assignment submission tool, which was probably the most important part, we barely tested it. Sure enough, after we deployed it, users had issues uploading their files. If we had used risk based testing, we probably would’ve caught that.

Now that I know about this approach, I’m going to start using it in future projects. I’ll take time up front to figure out which features are most essential or most likely to go wrong, and make sure we focus testing there first. It’s a simple idea, but it makes a big difference.

In the end, risk based testing is about being smart with your time and making sure what matters most actually works. If you’re also learning software testing, this is a great thing to start thinking about. I definitely recommend checking out the full article if you’re curious:
13 QA Testing Best Practices For 2024

From the blog Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

As a computer science student delving into the world of software development, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of various practices that ensure the delivery of high-quality software. One such practice that recently caught my attention is the concept of technical reviews in software quality assurance.​

I explored the article “What is Technical Review in Software Testing?” by Testsigma, which provided a comprehensive overview of this critical process. A technical review is a structured evaluation conducted by a team of peers to assess the technical aspects of software artifacts, such as design documents, code, and test plans. The primary goal is to identify defects and areas for improvement early in the development lifecycle, thereby reducing the cost and effort associated with fixing issues later on.​

The article outlines several key objectives of technical reviews:​

• Defect Detection: Identifying errors in function, logic, or implementation before they propagate further into the development process
• Standards Compliance: Ensuring that the software adheres to organizational and industry standards.​
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge among team members, which can lead to better design decisions and coding practices.​
• Process Improvement: Providing feedback that can be used to refine development processes and prevent future issues.​

Reflecting on this, I realize that incorporating technical reviews into our academic projects could be highly beneficial. Often, we focus on completing assignments and meeting deadlines, sometimes overlooking the importance of peer evaluations. By implementing structured reviews, we can catch mistakes early, learn from each other’s perspectives, and produce more robust and reliable code.​

Moreover, understanding the practice of technical reviews prepares us for industry expectations, where such evaluations are integral to the development process. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of software engineering and the collective responsibility of a team to ensure quality.​

In conclusion, technical reviews are a vital component of software quality assurance, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond mere defect detection. As students aspiring to become proficient software engineers, embracing this practice can enhance our learning experience and better equip us for professional challenges ahead.​

For a more in-depth understanding, I recommend reading the full article: What is Technical Review in Software Testing?

From the blog Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

I recently came across the article “Best Practices for Software Quality Assurance Testing” by KMS Technology. As a computer science student eager to understand the practical aspects of software development, this piece offered a clear roadmap of the QA process, breaking it down into four main stages: planning, test design, execution, and reporting.

1. Planning: The article emphasizes the importance of early-stage planning, including resource allocation, timeline estimation, and tool selection. This stage sets the foundation for the entire QA process.​

2. Test Design: Here, the focus is on defining both functional and non-functional requirements. The article suggests determining which tests can be automated and which require manual intervention, ensuring comprehensive coverage of user scenarios.​KMS Technology

3. Test Execution: This phase involves running the designed tests and evaluating any defects or issues that arise. It’s a repetitive process, ensuring that each identified problem is addressed and retested.​

4. Reporting and Maintenance: The final stage is about documenting findings, analyzing results, and ensuring that the software is ready for release. Continuous feedback loops between testers and developers are crucial here.​

Reflecting on these stages, I realize how often, in academic projects, we might overlook structured testing due to time constraints or lack of emphasis. However, this article highlights that integrating testing throughout the development cycle, rather than treating it as a final step, leads to more reliable and efficient software.

One key takeaway for me is the significance of clear communication and documentation. In group projects, miscommunication can lead to redundant work or overlooked bugs. By adopting a structured QA approach, we can mitigate these issues.

In conclusion, this article has provided me with a practical framework for approaching software testing. As I continue my studies and work on more complex projects, I plan to implement these best practices to enhance the quality and reliability of my work.

For those interested in a deeper dive, here’s the full article: Best Practices for Software Quality Assurance Testing.

From the blog Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

I recently read the article “Streamlining the QA Process: Best Practices for Software Quality Assurance Testing” published by KMS Technology. As a college student studying computer science and still learning the ins and outs of software testing, I found this article especially helpful. It gave me a clearer understanding of what quality assurance (QA) really looks like in real-world software projects.

I chose this article because I’ve been trying to get a better grasp on how testing fits into the bigger picture of software development. A lot of what we learn in class focuses on writing code, but not always on making sure that code actually works the way it’s supposed to. This article breaks down what can go wrong in the testing process and how to avoid those issues, which is something I know I’ll need as I continue learning and working on team projects.

The article talks about a few key challenges that QA teams run into:

Unclear Requirements – This one really stood out to me. The article explains that if the project requirements aren’t clearly defined, testing becomes almost impossible. How can you verify if something works if you’re not even sure what it’s supposed to do? It made me realize how important it is to ask questions early on and make sure everyone’s on the same page before writing code.

Lack of Communication – The article also highlights how communication gaps can mess up testing. If developers and testers aren’t talking regularly, bugs can slip through the cracks. As someone who’s worked on class group projects where communication wasn’t great, I totally see how this could happen on a larger scale.

Skipping or Rushing Testing – The article warns against rushing through testing or treating it like an afterthought. I’ve definitely been guilty of this in my own assignments—leaving testing until the last minute, which usually results in missing bugs. The article suggests integrating testing throughout development, not just at the end, and that’s something I want to start practicing more.

Reading this article made me reflect on my own experience so far. In one of my programming classes, our final project had a vague prompt and my group didn’t ask enough questions. We ended up spending extra time rewriting parts of our code because the requirements kept changing. After reading this article, I see how important it is to define everything early and communicate often.

I also plan to be more intentional about testing as I continue to build projects. Instead of waiting until the code is “done,” I want to get into the habit of testing as I go and making sure I understand the expected behavior before writing a single line.

Overall, this article helped me understand why QA is such a critical part of software development—not just something to tack on at the end. If you’re also a student learning about testing, I recommend giving it a read: Streamlining the QA Process: Best Practices for Software Quality Assurance Testing.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

I recently read the article “Gathering Requirements for a Development Project in 2025” on Developer-Tech.com. The article talks about how collecting and understanding software requirements is changing, focusing on new technologies and ways of working to make the process better.

I picked this article because I want to improve how I manage software projects. Gathering requirements is such an important part of any project, and understanding future trends can help me stay ahead. The article gave clear examples of how requirement gathering is improving and what to expect in the coming years.

The article covered three key points:

• Using Artificial Intelligence (AI): It explains how AI tools can make collecting and understanding requirements faster and more accurate. AI can analyze a lot of data quickly and help figure out what stakeholders (the people involved in the project) need.
• Better Team Collaboration: The article emphasizes how important teamwork is. New communication tools are helping teams work together more easily, making sure everyone understands the project’s goals.
• Agile Development Methods: It talks about Agile, a way of working that breaks projects into smaller steps. Agile lets teams adjust requirements as they go, so the final product meets user needs better.

This article made me think differently about how I collect and organize project requirements. The idea of using AI tools stood out to me because it would make the process quicker and catch mistakes I might miss. In the past, I’ve done everything manually, and it can take a lot of time.

The part about teamwork also hit home for me. I’ve worked on projects where poor communication caused delays and confusion. Using tools that help everyone stay connected and clear about the goals can make a big difference.

I also liked what the article said about Agile. I’ve worked on projects where requirements changed halfway through, and it was stressful. Agile makes it easier to handle those changes, which is something I plan to learn more about and use in future projects.

Overall, this article was a great introduction to how requirement gathering is improving. By using AI, working more closely with teams, and adopting Agile methods, I can do a better job on projects. If you’re interested, I recommend reading the full article: Gathering Requirements for a Development Project in 2025.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

recently read the article “Git Best Practices – A Guide to Version Control for Beginners” on freeCodeCamp.org. This piece offers a comprehensive introduction to Git, emphasizing essential practices for effective version control.

I chose this article because, as a newcomer to software process management, I wanted to understand how Git can enhance collaboration and efficiency in development projects. The article’s focus on best practices provided a clear roadmap for integrating Git into my workflow.

The content delves into fundamental Git concepts, such as initializing repositories, committing changes, and branching strategies. It underscores the importance of clear commit messages and regular repository maintenance. A key takeaway for me was the significance of atomic commits—ensuring each commit represents a single, logical change. This practice not only simplifies tracking changes but also aids in pinpointing issues during code reviews.

The article also highlights the role of branching in facilitating parallel development. Understanding how to create and manage branches allows for isolated feature development, reducing the risk of conflicts in the main codebase. This insight has reshaped my approach to project structuring, making me more confident in handling complex tasks.

Reflecting on the material, I’ve realized the transformative impact of adhering to Git best practices. They not only streamline the development process but also foster better team collaboration. Moving forward, I plan to implement these practices diligently, aiming to contribute more effectively to projects and enhance overall code quality.

For those interested in exploring this topic further, I recommend reading the full article on freeCodeCamp.org: Git Best Practices – A Guide to Version Control for Beginners.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

In today’s digital world, good software management is critical for delivering high-quality products that meet user expectations and business goals. Modern software management refers to practices that help the software development processes. I decided on a source that highlights the key principles of modern software management, offering keen insights into how these practices enhance software delivery. While also having good project outcomes. This blog post summarizes these principles, explains their importance, and all while I’ll be providing personal reflections on how they align with my learning in my current course

The resource I selected talks about various aspects of software management, focusing on principles like Agile methodologies, Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD), DevOps collaboration, user-centric design, lean software development, quality assurance, and data-driven decision-making. 

• Agile Methodologies: Emphasize flexibility and collaboration, allowing teams to respond to changing project requirements efficiently. Not A tool, Not A method, 
• CI/CD: Streamlines software delivery through automated testing and integration, improving the reliability and speed of releases.
• DevOps: Promotes collaboration between development and operations teams, reducing silos and enhancing overall efficiency.
• User-Centric Design: Prioritizes customer/user needs by using feedback and ensuring the software meets real-world requirements.
• Lean Software Development: The main goal is to eliminate waste, continuous improvement, and maximize value throughout the development process.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures the delivery of high-quality software through complicated testing and monitoring.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Encourages designing systems that can scale and adapt to changing needs, ensuring long-term viability.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses metrics and insights to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.

I chose this resource because it provides a comprehensive overview of the key principles of modern software management, which happens to be the whole point of my class. These principles are directly applicable to the course material, which focuses on effective project management strategies and best practices for software development. Understanding these principles and getting an early understanding will help me in 0the future of this course. 

Personal Reflection and Application

Reading this resource helped me learn several key concepts from my coursework, particularly the importance of Agile methodologies and CI/CD in promoting flexibility and efficiency considering we had worked on it today. For instance, I learned how Agile’s iterative approach allows teams to remain adaptable, responding to feedback and shifting priorities without losing momentum. This makes sense to my personal experiences in group projects, where collaboration and frequent feedback were crucial for successful outcomes.

The resource also highlighted the value of user-centric design. A concept I deeply appreciate. As a programmer so far I feel, it’s easy to focus on technical requirements and overlook user experience. I realized all the projects I have worked on so far have been not user-friendly and you would have to know some competence in code to run them. 

Conclusion

The principles discussed in the resource have given me good exposure to help my understanding of modern software management. By getting the gist of  Agile methodologies, CI/CD, DevOps, and user-centric design in future classes, when we start talking about them, I will already be able to follow along and have a little foundation. 

Sources:

https://www.hakunamatatatech.com/our-resources/blog/principles-of-modern-software-management/

From the blog CS@Worcester – Zacharys Computer Science Blog by Zachary Kimball and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.