What does it mean that testing depends on the context?

Context-Driven Testing means that the approach, methods, and tools for testing are chosen based on the unique characteristics of the project, team, product, and business goals. There is no universal 'best' way to test that applies to all situations.

Principles of context-driven testing:

• Value: Testing should deliver value to stakeholders. This value is determined by the context.
• Unpredictability: External factors (changing requirements, deadlines, technologies) constantly influence the project, requiring flexibility in testing approaches.
• Skills and knowledge: The success of testing depends on the skills, experience, and knowledge of testers in the specific context.
• Adaptability: Test strategies, plans, and activities should continuously adapt to the changing context.
• No 'best practices' outside the context: What works well in one project may be ineffective or even harmful in another.

Examples of contextual influence:

• Product type: Testing medical equipment (high safety) differs from testing mobile applications (speed to market).
• Team size: In small teams, testing may be informal; in large teams, it requires strict standardization.
• Business model: Subscription products with constant updates require more flexible and automated testing than boxed solutions.
• Technology stack: Testing microservices architecture differs from monolith.
• Time constraints: Tight deadlines may require prioritization and skipping some testing types.