Rapid, exploratory regression testing requires something upbeat. My preferred choice is The Sisters of Mercy in general and the track This Corrosion in particular. Rammstein usually does the trick too.
Exploring new functionality or previously uncharted territory needs something a bit less intense, but still catchy – Johnny Cash and Get Rhythm is always a good choice here.
Careful investigations of not-understood behaviours beg for something slow and subtle, such as Ane Brun.
When selecting music it is also important not to neglect the E-factor. ‘E’ as in total embarrassment that is. Some music really grabs me and it might happen that I starting singing out loud or – heavens forbid – making small dance moves. That kind of music is banned in the lab. Sorry Fischerspooner, home use only!
I have not started practising it yet, but I also think every new delivery deserves a theme song. For the next one I think I will pick Verdi’s Nabucco for that special grandiose feeling. It is bound to set the right mood!
I have at least three favorite music artists/genres that accompany me during testing:
ReplyDelete1. Intense exploratory testing - Aphex Twin or Autechre. It happens so much in this music that I use it as lateral thinking triggers. Keeps my mind alert.
2. Friday afternoon creative testing session - Kanda Bongo Man. It's Friday, I need something that cheers me up in order to stay creative and focused. Instead of focusing on the weekend, the testing gets full focus. And I get very happy at the same time!
3. Tedious administrative work - Norwegian House/Electro. Need some groovy music with Scandinavian harmonies in order to survive and stay focused on the tedious work...
Ahh, the E-factor! :-)
I tend to like the E-factor. But in my case it is not embarrassing; rather an inverted E-factor. OK, I might disturb others but at least I'm not ashamed. If I'm in the testing zone - I am not aware of what other people think: http://thetesteye.com/blog/2008/04/professional-creativity-a-conscious-way-to-step-out-of-your-consciousness/