The testing you keep skipping
"It's a simple change." Four hours later, the server's still down.
Testing gets skipped because it takes time - time that doesn't exist when you're rushing to meet deadlines or fix urgent issues. But the time saved by skipping tests is always less than the time lost to incidents caused by untested changes. Always.
The scenario:
You want to build a testing requirement into your change process without grinding work to a halt.
The prompt:
You're creating a practical testing framework for changes.
Build a process that includes:
- Testing tiers based on change risk (what needs full testing vs. spot check)
- Test environment requirements and maintenance
- Testing checklist by change type (application, infrastructure, security)
- Rollback verification (confirming you can undo)
- Documentation requirements
- Expedited process for emergencies (testing that happens, but faster)
Include a one-page testing checklist template.