Best Software Testing Books of 2026

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 28, 2023

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There are a plethora of software testing books available in the market that cater to the needs of both beginners and experienced testers. These books cover a range of topics such as test planning, test design, automation, agile testing, and more. Some popular titles include "The Art of Software Testing" by Glenford Myers, "Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams" by Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory, and "Software Testing Techniques" by Boris Beizer. These books not only provide theoretical knowledge but also practical insights and real-world examples to help testers improve their skills and deliver high-quality software.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle Cover #TOP 1
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship Cover #TOP 2
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
ftb score rating icon 9.8
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide Cover #TOP 3
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Software Testing Books

(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle

Chapple, Mike
Stewart, James Michael
Gibson, Darril
Seidl, David
Jul 7, 2021
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle Cover
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle

The (ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle is a comprehensive set that includes the updated 9th edition of the CISSP Study Guide and an updated collection of Practice Exams. The guide covers 100% of all exam objectives and provides expert content, real-world examples, and advice on passing each section of the exam. The Practice Exams include over 1000 Electronic Flashcards, a searchable glossary in PDF, and four practice exams with 125 unique questions each. This bundle is an excellent resource for serious CISSP certification candidates looking to prepare for the high-stakes CISSP exam.

Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship

Robert C. Martin
Pearson
Aug 1, 2008
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship Cover
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship

Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship is a must-read for any programmer who wants to improve their skills. Robert C. Martin, a renowned software expert, presents a revolutionary paradigm with this book, teaching the principles, patterns, and practices of writing clean code. The book is divided into three parts, with each part building on the previous one. It includes case studies of increasing complexity, which challenge readers to think about what's right and wrong with the code. The book's knowledge base describes the way we think when we write, read, and clean code. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for programmers who want to improve their craft.

(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide

Chapple, Mike
Stewart, James Michael
Gibson, Darril
Sybex
Jun 22, 2021
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide Cover
(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide

The (ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide, 9th Edition is a comprehensive and updated resource for preparing for the CISSP exam. The book covers all exam objectives and includes key topic exam essentials and chapter review questions. The authors, who are experienced cybersecurity practitioners and educators, bring real-world expertise to the practical knowledge needed to pass the exam. The book is accompanied by an online interactive learning environment with over 900 new and improved practice test questions, electronic flashcards, a searchable glossary, and audio review. Overall, this study guide is an excellent resource for those pursuing CISSP certification.

Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

OccupyTheWeb
No Starch Press
Dec 4, 2018
Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali Cover
Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

This book is a practical guide for anyone interested in learning Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. The book covers fundamental concepts like filesystems, networking, and package management, and then moves on to more advanced topics such as security and anonymity. The tutorials and exercises throughout the book provide a hands-on approach to learning, making it an excellent resource for anyone starting in the cybersecurity field. Overall, Linux Basics for Hackers is a great first step towards learning Linux and acquiring the tools and techniques needed to take control of a Linux environment.

The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)

Thomas, David
Hunt, Andrew
Addison-Wesley Professional
Sep 13, 2019
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition) Cover
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)

The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition) is a must-read for both new and experienced programmers. Dave Thomas and Andy Hunt provide practical advice on personal responsibility and career development, architectural techniques, and writing adaptable code. This new edition re-examines what it means to be a modern programmer, independent of any particular language, framework, or methodology. The book is filled with fresh insights that will serve you and your projects well for years to come. This book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their programming skills and rediscover the joy of coding.

Software Architecture: The Hard Parts: Modern Trade-Off Analyses for Distributed Architectures

Ford, Neal
Richards, Mark
Sadalage, Pramod
Dehghani, Zhamak
Nov 30, 2021
Software Architecture: The Hard Parts: Modern Trade-Off Analyses for Distributed Architectures Cover
Software Architecture: The Hard Parts: Modern Trade-Off Analyses for Distributed Architectures

This book, titled "Software Architecture: The Hard Parts: Modern Trade-Off Analyses for Distributed Architectures", written by Neal Ford, Mark Richards, Pramod Sadalage, and Zhamak Dehghani is a comprehensive guide for architects who are looking to make critical decisions about distributed architectures. It provides techniques to help discover and analyze trade-offs and effectively document decisions, making it an essential resource for software development professionals. The authors use a fictional group of technology professionals to discuss strategies for choosing appropriate architecture and managing workflows and transactions when breaking apart applications. The book is an excellent resource for architects who want to make better decisions regarding service granularity and handle data in a highly distributed architecture.

Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design (Robert C. Martin Series)

Martin, Robert
Pearson
Sep 10, 2017
Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design (Robert C. Martin Series) Cover
Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design (Robert C. Martin Series)

Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design is a must-read for current or aspiring software architects, system analysts, and programmers. In this book, Robert C. Martin provides practical solutions and universal rules for software architecture that can significantly improve developer productivity. The author draws on his over 50 years of experience in software development to explain the critical choices that architects need to make and why they are essential to project success. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in software architecture and design.

Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Fowler))

Fowler, Martin
Addison-Wesley Professional
Nov 30, 2018
Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Fowler)) Cover
Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Fowler))

The book "Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code" by Martin Fowler is a must-read for experienced programmers who want to improve the design of their existing code and enhance software maintainability. The second edition has been fully updated to reflect crucial changes in the programming landscape and features an updated catalog of refactoring's, including JavaScript code examples. The author explains what refactoring is, why you should refactor, how to recognize code that needs refactoring, and how to actually do it successfully. The book also includes free access to the canonical web edition with even more refactoring resources. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their coding skills.

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

Ries, Eric
Penguin Books Ltd
Apr 28, 2023
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses Cover
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to create a successful business. Ries introduces the concept of continuous innovation, which involves using data and customer feedback to make informed decisions and pivot quickly. He emphasizes the importance of testing ideas before investing significant time and resources, a strategy that can save startups from failure. The book is full of practical advice and real-world examples, making it easy to understand and apply the principles outlined. Overall, The Lean Startup is an essential guide for anyone looking to build a successful business in today's fast-paced and competitive market.

Data Mesh: Delivering Data-Driven Value at Scale

Dehghani, Zhamak
Apr 12, 2022
Data Mesh: Delivering Data-Driven Value at Scale Cover
Data Mesh: Delivering Data-Driven Value at Scale

This book, "Data Mesh: Delivering Data-Driven Value at Scale" by Zhamak Dehghani, introduces a new approach to analytical data management - data mesh. The author explains how this decentralized sociotechnical paradigm drawn from modern distributed architecture can help organizations to manage and get value from their data sources, domains, and aspirations through a multidimensional approach. The book offers a complete introduction to data mesh principles and its constituents, design, strategy, execution, and organizational design. This book is a must-read for practitioners, architects, technical leaders, and decision-makers who want to move beyond traditional data warehouses and lakes to a distributed data mesh.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I learn software testing on my own?

Can I Learn Software Testing On My Own? Of course, you can learn most anything on your own given enough time with the internet. But, if you want to learn software testing quickly to be better prepared for a career change or promotion, it might be best to take a structured software testing course.

2. What are the 4 levels of testing?

There are four main stages of testing that need to be completed before a program can be cleared for use: unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing.

Editor's Notes

During our software testing book research, we found 1,200+ software testing book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,203 customer reviews through our big data system to write the software testing books list. We found that most customers choose software testing books with an average price of $38.57.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.