Top 15 Software Testing Books

In modern times, the internet has become our number one source to search for information, gain knowledge, and learn new skills. The unbelievable amount of data about almost every subject that you could think of is stored somewhere and can be found when searched. You could find and consume information online in various ways like articles, videos, podcasts, etc. Undoubtedly, the internet will remain at first place as our primary source of information in the future. Despite that, we should not forget the traditional and most famous source of information, books!

Just like the internet today, books were a revolution in the way people collected, curated and transferred information. Even today, books continue to fulfill a key role as an information medium. In the software testing industry, many available books inspire QA testers to become better at their job. The benefits of reading testing professionals’ tips and experiences are extremely valuable and could help you reach greater heights.

For those who would like to learn new skills, enrich their knowledge, or just love books about testing, we have compiled below a list of our top 15 software testing books we think are a ‘must-read’. This list includes a wide range of diverse testing books on different topics and from different years. So, without further delay, let’s jump to the list!

In the following article, we assembled a list of the top 15 software testing books you should read. These publications contribute essential information and real-life insights from professionals in the testing industry and you should definitely add them to your reading list.

The List

Lessons Learned in Software Testing
Software Testing
Agile Testing
How Google Tests Software
Explore it!
Penetration Testing
The Way of the Web Tester
Continuous Testing for DevOps Professionals
Complete Guide to Test Automation
Foundations of Software Testing ISTQB Certification
Unit Testing
Buddha in Testing
The Self-Taught Software Tester
Team Guide to Software Testability
Hands-On Mobile App Testing —

Lessons Learned in Software Testing: A Context-Driven Approach
Authors: Cem Kaner, James Marcus Bach, Bret Pettichord
Publication year: 2001
Get a copy: Amazon



Warren Buffett once said, “It’s good to learn from your mistakes. It’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.” This incredible book is all about sharing the priceless knowledge of three leading software testing experts. The authors, Cem, James, and Bret, have decades of experience in key roles within the industry. With more than 200 lessons that are described in the book, you could gain valuable tips on what to do, as well as what to avoid.

Software Testing: 2nd Edition
Author: Ron Patton
Publication year: 2005
Get a copy: Amazon



Software Testing is a classic book by Ron Patton that covers various aspects of software testing. The first edition was published in 2000, but 5 years later the 2nd edition came out and added a whole new chapter focusing on particularly security testing. In the book, the author spread some light on testing techniques that will help understand more about software testing.

Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams
Authors: Lisa Crispin, Janet Gregory
Publication year: 2008
Get a copy: Amazon



Agile methodology changed the software industry in general and software testing in particular. And when you say Agile testing there are two well-known authorities, Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory. The two industry leaders are covering a large variety of aspects regarding agile testing from transition to Agile development to the tester’s role in Agile environment. If you are into Agile testing, you should also read “More Agile Testing,” the second book by Lisa and Janet.

How Google Tests Software
Authors: James Whittaker, Jason Arbon, Jeff Carollo
Publication year: 2012
Get a copy: Amazon



Have you ever wondered how the biggest companies around the globe operate their testing processes? Well, reading this book will certainly answer your question. Testing professional and author of “How to Break Software,” James Whittaker, joined forces with Jason Arbon, and Jeff Carollo to create this great book. The three share inspiring insights and best practices from their work experience at “Google.”

Explore It!: Reduce Risk and Increase Confidence with Exploratory Testing
Author: Elisabeth Hendrickson
Publication year: 2013
Get a copy: Amazon



Exploratory Testing is an essential part of any software testing process and has valuable benefits that will help you improve the quality of your software. “Explore It!” would teach you how to think like an explorer, what you should pay attention to, and eventually put it into practice. You could use the techniques you’ll learn in Elisabeth’s book right away on your software, no matter what software you work on.

Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking
Author: Jonathan Rasmusson
Publication year: 2016
Get a copy: Amazon



Most technical books include a few hundred pages with full descriptions and explanations, but not this book. Instead, you’ll get the important basic elements of automation testing accompanied by humor, graphics, cartoons, and lots of fun. Whether you are a new tester or an experienced developer without automation testing experience, this book can teach you what you need to start writing automated tests.

Continuous Testing for DevOps Professionals: A Practical Guide From Industry Experts
Author: Eran Kinsbruner
Publication year: 2018
Get a copy: Amazon


“Continuous Testing for DevOps Professionals” is the second book by the Author, Keynote Speaker, and DevOps Chief Evangelist at Perforce Software, Eran Kinsbruner. In this book, Kinsbruner collaborates with other DevOps experts to create the ultimate guide for Continuous Testing for developers, testers, and more. The book includes 4 sections: Continuous Testing fundamentals, Continuous Testing for Web App, Continuous Testing for Mobile App, and Advancing Continuous Testing.

Complete Guide to Test Automation: Techniques, Practices, and Patterns for Building and Maintaining Effective Software Projects
Author: Arnon Axelrod
Publication year: 2018
Get a copy: Amazon


According to the 2022 “State of Testing” report, 46% of the participants said automation testing replaced over 50% of the previous manual testing efforts. As more companies are shifting to work in Agile methodologies, the number of automation testing will increase as well. Therefore, reading this book would give you high value and real benefits to your work in the software testing industry. The book is covering subjects like, designing automated tests, implementing automated tests, and differing between automation test types.

Foundations of Software Testing ISTQB Certification: 4th Edition
Authors: Dorothy Graham, Rex Black, Erik van Veenendaal
Publication year: 2019
Get a copy: Amazon



For those of you who are looking to take the ISTQB exam, this book will significantly help you to pass the exam and receive the desired certification. In its 4th and most recent edition, the book is updated with the latest changes according to the 2018 ISTQB syllabus. So before you are taking the test, invest some time reading this book and follow the guidelines.

Unit Testing: Principles, Practices, and Patterns
Author: Vladimir Khorikov
Publication year: 2020
Get a copy: Amazon



Unit Testing is a vital part of the software testing process that intends to test each unit of the source code, one after the other, to ensure high quality. In this book, Vladimir, the author, and a skillful software developer provides a full overview of unit testing, tips, and best practices for you to improve your unit testing. In addition, there is also a chapter in the book about integration testing.

Buddha in Testing: Finding Peace in Chaos
Author: Pradeep Soundararajan
Publication year: 2020
Get a copy: Amazon



The first sentence on the back of the book says “A tester’s mind is never at rest.” And that’s true. A QA tester is a complex role that requires consistent communication with multiple people and departments. The book, which is written by a very experienced software tester with over 16 years of experience, can help you overcome these challenges and issues that testers are facing on a regular basis.

The Self-Taught Software Tester: A Step By Step Guide to Learn Software Testing Using Real-Life Project
Author: Chhavi Raj Dosaj
Publication year: 2020
Get a copy: Amazon


Many software testers have become professionals after they learned by themselves how to test software. There are several different information sources for beginners to gain knowledge from and could help you start working in the software testing industry. This great book is definitely one of them. In the first half of the book, you will learn comprehensive background information on software testing, while the second half will guide you in a real-life testing project. If you are looking for the first role of QA testers, this is your starting point.

Team Guide to Software Testability: Better software through greater testability
Authors: Ash Winter, Rob Meaney
Publication year: 2021
Get a copy: Amazon



A quality product should meet the customers’ needs. In order to do that, it is important to make sure that the software is testable. Therefore, software testing leaders Ash Winter and Rob Meaney, created a book to emphasize the importance of testability to teams. This book will allow you to learn helpful practical tips and enjoy the benefits testability could give to your team.

Hands-On Mobile App Testing - 2nd Edition: A guide for mobile testers and anyone involved in the mobile app business
Author: Daniel Knott
Publication year: 2022
Get a copy: Amazon


Software testing leader, Daniel Knott, released earlier this year the 2nd edition of his well-known book “Mobile App Testing” which was originally published in 2014. The book, focused specifically on mobile testing, includes improved and updated chapters about new mobile testing techniques, tools, trends, and so forth. While mobile app testing requires a different mindset and has different challenges, Knott’s book is your perfect guide to succeed as a mobile tester.

Summary

In conclusion, software testing books are a great source of knowledge and inspiration for new testers as well as experienced testers. There are plenty of great software testing books that could significantly help you improve your career and acquire new skills. In this article, you can find 15 superb software testing books that cover different topics of software testing from top industry experts.

Feel free to suggest any software testing-related books that you think should be included on our list.

Did we miss anyone? You are welcome to suggest any additional testing books you think should be included here. And be sure to mention your favorite one.