Principles of Testing – Part B

1.4.2. Test Process in Context

The voice resumed its steady, calm rhythm, explaining that testing was never done in isolation. Razko leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to let the information sink in.

“Testing is not performed in isolation. Test activities are an integral part of the development processes carried out within an organization. Testing is funded by stakeholders, and its ultimate goal is to help meet the stakeholders’ business needs.”

Razko thought about this for a moment. Stakeholders. They were the ones funding the magic, investing their resources into spells and systems. They didn’t just want the systems to work; they wanted them to fulfill their specific needs and goals. Testing wasn’t just about checking for defects—it was about making sure the system served its larger purpose.

“The way testing is carried out depends on a number of contextual factors, including the stakeholders’ needs, the skills and knowledge of the team, and the business domain of the system being tested.”

It made sense. Each spell, each magical system, had its own unique requirements. What worked for one project might not work for another. The context—who the stakeholders were, what the business goals were, and even the technical factors of the spell itself—mattered deeply.

The voice continued, outlining the specific factors that could impact the testing process.

“Stakeholders’ expectations, team members’ skills and availability, the business domain and the criticality of the system, legal regulations, technical factors like software architecture and technology, project constraints like scope and budget, and the software development lifecycle—all of these influence how testing is carried out.”

Razko tried to imagine all the moving parts. Each project had its own complexity, its own limitations. The testers had to adapt, balancing all these factors to create a strategy that fit the situation. Testing wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it had to be tailored, carefully adjusted based on the specific context of the project.

“These factors influence not only the test strategy, but also the test techniques used, the degree of test automation, and the required level of coverage.”

Razko nodded, thinking about how much had to be considered even before a single test was run. The strategy, the tools, the level of detail required—everything was shaped by the project’s needs and constraints. It wasn’t just about finding defects; it was about finding the right approach to uncover them, and ensuring the system worked as it should in the context of its real-world use.

The voice went on, explaining how test documentation, reporting, and even the tools used for testing were influenced by these same contextual factors. Razko could feel the pieces starting to fall into place. The complexity of testing wasn’t overwhelming anymore; it was becoming clear.

With a sigh, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he stared at his Personal Core. The weight of the information was there, but it wasn’t dragging him down anymore. The context was everything, and as the voice in his Core reminded him, adaptability was key.

He knew there was still so much more to learn, but at least now he understood something important: testing wasn’t just a technical exercise—it was a strategic one. And that, in its own way, made it feel a little bit like magic.

Razko leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he stared at his Personal Core. The weight of the information was there, but it wasn’t dragging him down anymore. The context was everything, and as the voice in his Core reminded him, adaptability was key.

The quiet settled around him, broken only by the faint hum of the Core’s soft light. But as the silence stretched on, Razko felt the weight of reality pulling at him again. He couldn’t ignore it forever—the truth that hung heavy over every moment since he had lost his job. The money was running out, and no amount of learning would pay the bills. He needed work, and soon.

But something had shifted in him after days of study. He didn’t want just any job anymore. He wanted something that would bring him closer to the world of Codeium, to the magical systems he was beginning to understand. Something that would allow him to see these systems in action, to experience firsthand the complexity and the stakes involved.

He needed to feel connected to this new path he had chosen.

Razko stood up, pacing across the room, his mind racing with thoughts. There had to be something. He grabbed his Core and scrolled through the job listings, his eyes darting from one mundane option to the next: factory work, simple maintenance jobs, positions that would pay the bills but drain his soul. None of them felt right.

Just as he was about to give up, his eyes landed on a new listing.

“Position Available: Courier. Immediate start. Transport rare Codeium components between cities and deliver to Developers. Must be reliable and able to travel long distances. Opportunities to meet leading Developers and mages in the field. Training provided.”

Razko froze, staring at the listing. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t a direct path to becoming an Auditor. But it was something closer—something that would put him in touch with the world he was beginning to immerse himself in. The idea of delivering Codeium components, meeting Developers, and witnessing the inner workings of the systems he was studying—it clicked into place like a missing puzzle piece.

This job would take him out of Alatar, maybe even beyond the nearby city of Etrille. He would see firsthand how Codeium was used in different regions, how Developers relied on these components to craft their magical systems. It wasn’t just a job—it was a chance to learn from the inside.

And maybe, just maybe, he would come across more clues about the shadowy figure who had visited him. After all, if he was going to be delivering rare magical components, who knew what kinds of people he might encounter?

Razko tapped the screen and applied for the job without hesitation.

As he clicked “submit,” a strange feeling settled over him—something like excitement mixed with nervousness. The unknown had always terrified him, but now, it felt like the unknown was exactly where he needed to be. This wasn’t about just paying the bills anymore. It was about finding his place in the world of Codeium, about stepping onto a path that would lead him deeper into the mysteries of the magical systems and the testing world he was beginning to understand.

He sat back down, the glow of the fire outside beginning to fade as dusk settled in. Razko knew that taking this job wouldn’t be easy. There would be long days, harsh travel, and the pressures of responsibility. But it would also be a chance to prove himself—not just to the Developers he would serve, but to himself.

For the first time in days, Razko felt a flicker of hope. He was taking control of his future again. It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t where he wanted to end up, but it was a start. And sometimes, a start was all you needed.

End of Episode 2: Principles of Testing