On Monday, November 11, 2024 (Saint Martin), we attended Testival #68, hosted by Njuskalo, Croatia’s most popular online platform for free classified ads. Almost three years ago, I wrote a blog post predicting the end of the Testival community scene. I am happy to admit I was wrong. Thanks to Željko, who took over the organization of Testival meetups, the community is thriving. He has even succeeded in persuading new members to join the organizational committee.
This event was attended by nearly 40 software testers who gathered to share knowledge and experiences. The highlight of the meetup was an outstanding presentation by Katarina, who introduced Njuskalo’s software testing practices. She explained how their testing efforts are organized into “tribes,” with each tribe responsible for a specific aspect of Njuskalo’s product.
This approach has its merits and challenges. A key advantage is the continuous delivery model they employ, where new features are deployed directly to production rather than adhering to traditional release cycles. However, a notable challenge is ensuring adequate coverage and continuity during team absences, such as vacations or sick leave, which requires a robust rotation and knowledge-sharing strategy.
For the past three years, I have been working as an Elixir software developer in the role of a team lead. My background in software testing has been invaluable in my current position, particularly in performing rigorous pull request reviews and conducting comprehensive integration testing for the products my team develops. Attending Testival meetups allows me to refresh and enhance my testing knowledge, which is crucial for maintaining high-quality software.
An integral part of the meetup experience is the informal networking session over pizza and beer. These sessions provide a platform for discussing a wide range of software development topics and exchanging insights. One of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding of testing concepts is by explaining them to others, a practice I find both enriching and rewarding.
In conclusion, Testival #68 was an excellent opportunity to engage with the testing community, learn from peers, and share experiences that are directly applicable to my work. I look forward to future meetups and continuing to contribute to and benefit from this vibrant community.
