What is the point of testing? This might seem like a sarcastic question to ask at the start of a book about testing. But knowing the reason why we test and the value it brings can help guide us in how we approach it. If we assume that testing is just pushing buttons and breaking things, then that is the level of testing we’ll get. But we should appreciate that testing is a collection of skills, knowledge, and activities that, when brought together, can help elevate our team’s efforts in building high-quality work. That’s why, before we dive into specific testing activities, we need to learn the value of good testing and how to focus it in the right places at the right time.
In part 1, we’ll explore why we test and how to begin the process of testing that delivers real value to both our teams and our customers. In chapter 1, we’ll discuss the challenges around delivering high-quality web APIs and a way of understanding how testing can help solve those challenges. Chapter 2 will explore some ways to begin our testing journey and establish some of the activities we’ll be carrying out within this book. Finally, chapter 3 will discuss in detail two key concepts that guide our testing: quality and risk.