As previously explained, I like using the software testing pyramid as a visual way to represent where you should be focusing your testing effort, and often switch between using a cloud or an Eye of Providence to represent the manual session-based tests at the top of the pyramid that you should use to supplement and test your automated tests.
I often see organizations fall into the trap of creating ‘inverted’ pyramids of software testing, and only yesterday did a colleague point out to me that if you invert my pyramid with the cloud, you end up with an ice-cream cone! So, introducing the software testing ice-cream cone (anti-pattern)!
Hah! Love this. Going to show my manager so that he understands where we stand and where we should be. Thanks Alister!
The best part of the metaphor is that over-reliance on manual testing will result in a symbolic melting of the tests down the cone, turning it into a soggy lump and causing the whole thing to become a messy puddle.
I didn’t think of that: awesome (well not actually).
Couldn’t agree more!! This his hilarious… until you have to suffer it ;)
The Ideal Software Testing pyramid looks much like a Software Testing Volcano to me :) All in all, an interesting blog post, mate!
Love the post. Great images.
excellent work