Uniting Testing Enthusiasts

That is exactly how I felt when I attended Nordic Testing Days in Tallinn, Estonia this year.

Just like joining a group of board game enthusiasts where everyone knows the rules and strategies and you can jump straight into playing, the conference brought together a diverse community of professionals who effortlessly communicated their shared dedication to testing, automation, and ensuring top-notch product quality. 

From the moment I stepped foot into the venue, an old factory turned conference space, I felt a sense of belonging. Surrounded by passionate individuals dedicated to testing and automation, I was immersed in a community that understood and shared my aspirations.

The absence of superficial distractions created an environment focused solely on learning, growth, and collaboration.

The workshops were a standout feature, providing in-depth explorations of various subjects.

• One workshop delved into the intricacies of GraphQL, its mechanics, distinctions from REST APIs, and practical tips for automating calls.  
• Another workshop focused on setting up a robust testing project within a CI/CD environment using Jenkins and Docker. 

I personally never got to do this in my 8 years of experience because this was already set up or someone from DevOps would quickly set it up for me, but now with the knowledge I gained here, I feel a lot more confident doing this on my own when the time comes. 

Engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds and experience levels opened up new perspectives and broadened my understanding of testing practices. Whether discussing advanced strategies or the challenges of being recognized as Finland's tester of the year (wittingly dubbed "the flight of Icarus"), the exchanges were enriching and thought-provoking. These interactions ignited a renewed sense of enthusiasm and drive within me.