Top 12 Software Testing Books For Manual and Automation Testing

Software testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. It systematically evaluates various aspects of the software, including functionality, performance, and usability. However, to be a good tester and excel in software testing, you need to have good knowledge of both manual and automation techniques. 

Aspiring testers and experienced professionals must be updated with the latest software testing trends and technology trends. Books provide an invaluable resource for learning and expanding one’s knowledge in software testing. You should enhance your skills with software testing books to excel in your career. 

In this article, we have combined a list of the top 12 software testing books for manual and automation testing. These books cover various topics, from fundamental principles to advanced techniques, industry best practices, and emerging trends.

We have carefully selected books catering to testers with different expertise and experience levels. If you want to dig into the fundamentals, explore specific testing methodologies, or dive deep into test automation frameworks, this list has something for everyone.

Each software testing book featured in this compilation provides valuable insights, practical examples, and hands-on exercises to enhance your understanding of software testing concepts. First thing first, let’s understand the basics first.

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is a process of testing any software, or application to check its durability. During testing, all the bugs, and issues that arise from the expected output need to be addressed and resolved beforehand before it actually goes in for public usage. You can also refer to this article – Software Testing Basics to learn the basics of software testing.

Now, let’s gear up and embark on this enlightening journey through the top 12 software testing books that will elevate your testing skills and equip you with the necessary and important tools to excel in your testing career. Let’s get started!

Best Software Testing Books For Manual and Automation Testing

Now, let’s check out the best hand-picked Top 12 Software Testing Books for manual and automation testing that every software should know.

1. The Art of Software Testing, 3rd Edition

“The Art of Software Testing” has been an indispensable software testing book for software testers for over three decades. Authored by Glenford J. Myers, Corey Sandler, and Tom Badgett, this timeless classic covers a broad range of software testing principles, techniques, and methodologies.

The book’s third edition has been updated to reflect the changing landscape of software testing. It provides valuable insights into effective test case design and automation and managing the testing process. The authors emphasize the importance of structured testing approaches and offer practical guidance on creating reliable test cases and executing them systematically.

This book is an excellent foundation for beginners in the field as it provides a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of software testing. Experienced professionals looking to expand their knowledge will also find it useful in refining their skills.

Author: Glenford J. Myers, Tom Badgett, Corey Sandler.

Cost: 699 INR

Publication year: 1979

Rating: 4.3

2. Software Testing, 2nd Edition, 2005

This second edition offers readers a comprehensive overview of various techniques and methodologies used in software testing, such as black-box and white-box testing, functional and structural testing, along with static techniques. The software book for beginners is divided into six different chapters that include aspects and crucial software testing concepts. The author emphasizes test planning, execution, and defect tracking while providing practical advice on effective management techniques. 

The chapters in the software testing book are presented clearly and concisely, making the content easily understandable. This book for testing is highly recommended for individuals new to software testing and those who wish to enhance their skills before embarking on real-world project work.

Author: Ron Patton

Cost: 6789 INR

Publication year: 2005

Rating: 4.2

3. Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach, Fourth Edition

It is another highly regarded book that focuses on the craftsmanship aspect of software testing, with its latest fourth edition covering manual and automated testing techniques while emphasizing a hands-on approach to critical thinking using real-world examples like security or performance tests or even exploring automation frameworks. 

It is an excellent software testing book for beginners as it is structured to give information and improve understanding of software testing methodologies, best practices, and techniques. The book’s appendix includes essential documents for sample use case technical inspection. Additionally, the fourth edition includes a section on software testing within an Agile programming environment.

It also combines strong mathematical principles with a comprehensive treatment of Model-Based Testing. It covers code-based (structural) testing and specification-based (functional) testing, taking these techniques beyond traditional unit testing discussions to encompass integration and system testing.

Author: Paul C. Jorgensen

Cost: 1099 INR 

Publication year: 1st edition-1995 and latest edition 2023

Rating: 4.2

4. Software Testing Career Package – A Software Tester’s Journey from Getting a Job to Becoming a Test Leader!

This software testing book for beginners guides individuals pursuing a career in software testing, offering valuable insights and practical advice from the initial job search to advancing as a test leader. The authors explain about various stages of a software tester’s career. Starting with landing a job in software testing, the book provides tips and strategies for resume building, interview preparation, and showcasing one’s skills effectively.

The book talks about the fundamental concepts of software testing, giving the reader insight into how to perform software tests in real-world scenarios. Reading this book will familiarise you with the principles of test planning, test design, defect management, etc. This book also details test automation, managing test projects, and performance testing. Such information is crucial for testers when they progress in their career. 

It is one of the prime software testing books for beginners, as the author has given their expertise and shared practical experience throughout the book. Hence, the insights shared in this book empower readers to navigate their careers effectively and achieve their goals in the field of software testing. 

Author: Vijay Shinde and Debassis Pradhan

Cost: 449 INR 

Publication year: 2005

Rating: 3.9

5. Penetration Testing – A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking

It is a valuable software testing book for testers exploring ethical hacking and penetration testing in depth. The book aims to assist individuals interested in simulating cyber attacks to identify security vulnerabilities in networks, operating systems, and applications. It acknowledges that becoming a skilled penetration tester is a challenging endeavor that requires extensive knowledge and expertise.

This testing book for testing offers a wealth of informative content and penetration techniques to evaluate enterprise defenses. It caters to the needs of information security experts worldwide by providing practical guidance and insights into the field. By studying the book’s materials and applying the techniques outlined, readers can enhance their ability to assess security measures effectively.

The content covers various aspects of penetration testing, including different attack types, methodologies, and commonly used tools. Through hands-on examples and practical exercises, readers gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 

Author: Georgia Weidman

Cost: 2919 INR

Publication year: 2014

Rating: 4.6

6. Software Testing Techniques, 2nd Edition

The book for testing provides valuable insights and practical techniques for effectively testing software systems. The second edition builds upon the first edition’s success, incorporating new developments and advancements in software testing. It covers many testing techniques, from traditional to more modern and innovative methods. Boris Beizer’s expertise shines through in how he explains complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

One of the highlights of this software testing book is its emphasis on practicality. It discusses theoretical aspects of software testing and provides real-world examples and case studies. This enables readers to understand how to apply the techniques in practice, making it an invaluable resource for beginners and experienced testers.

The book covers various aspects of software testing, including test design, test management, and test automation. It also explores boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, and state transition testing. These techniques equip testers with the tools they need to identify potential defects and ensure the quality and reliability of software systems.

Author: Boris Beizer

Cost: 594 INR

Publication year: 1982

Rating: 4.1

7. Lessons Learned in Software Testing: A Context-Driven Approach

This fascinating software testing book captures decades of collective software testing experience. It compiles essential lessons that any software testing professional would greatly benefit from.

What makes this software testing book truly unique and captivating is the chance to learn from the mistakes and experiences of software testers. Written by some of the world’s top software testing experts, the book generously shares their wisdom and years of experience, ensuring you avoid repeating their errors. Each lesson in the testing book is presented as an assertion associated with software testing and followed by a detailed explanation or example that illuminates the how, when, and why behind the testing lesson.

Imagine the value of learning from the firsthand experiences of seasoned professionals in the field. With this book, you have access to a wealth of knowledge that can shape your approach to software testing and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Author: Cem Kaner, James Bach, Bret Pettichord

Cost: 3330 INR

Publication year: 2002

Rating: 4.6

8. Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams

It is a must-have software testing book for anyone involved in Agile development, including testers, Agile teams, managers, or customers. Understanding the nuances of Agile can be challenging, but this book offers clear and practical guidance to navigate the world of Agile testing.

The authors have explained the Agile testing quadrants, helping readers identify the specific types of testing required, who should perform them, and the tools needed to execute tests effectively.

What sets this software testing book distinct is its comprehensive coverage of not just Agile methodologies but also the perspective of a tester throughout an Agile software development iteration. It dives into the seven key success factors of Agile testing, providing valuable insights for achieving successful outcomes in an Agile environment.

Author: Crispin Lisa, Gregory Janet

Cost: 5020 INR

Publication year: 2008

Rating: 4.4

9. A Practitioner’s Guide to Software Test Design (Artech House Computing Library) 

This comprehensive and practical software testing book is an important resource for anyone inquisitive and inclined in mastering the art of software testing and test design.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to present the essential test design techniques in a consistent and easily understandable format. It is a handy handbook you can immediately apply in your testing endeavors.

By reading this book on testing, you’ll gain insights into choosing the best test case design, effectively finding software application defects and errors in less time and with fewer resources, and developing optimal strategies for efficient testing. It also emphasizes the importance of reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes.

The book’s usefulness extends beyond test design. It guides estimating effort and assessing the time and cost associated with thorough testing. This makes it a valuable asset for various professionals involved in the software development and testing process.

Author: Lee Copeland

Cost: 7641 INR

Publication year: 2003

Rating: 4.3

10. Software Test Automation – Effective Use of Test Execution Tools

It is a practical software testing book that explores the implementation of automated testing in software development. It caters to both aspiring automation test engineers and individuals with prior knowledge in the field. The book for testing explains the fundamental principles of automated testing and provides valuable insights into designing a robust testing framework. Focusing on specific project requirements, it offers guidance on selecting and applying suitable testing tools.

Authored by renowned experts known for their seminars, consultancy, and training, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a clear and rational introduction to automated testing. This software testing book is essential to equip you with practical knowledge to improve your automated testing practices. 

Author: Mark Fewster and Dorothy Graham

Cost: 5961 INR

Publication year: 1999

Rating: 3.7

11. Java for Testers: Learn Java Fundamentals Fast

It is a software testing book that caters to testers who want to quickly grasp the fundamentals of Java programming for test automation. Authored by Alan Richardson, an experienced expert in the field, this book offers a practical and accessible approach to learning Java.

If you’re working as a tester and looking to expand your skill set or are new to programming, this software testing book provides a clear and concise introduction to Java. It focuses specifically on the aspects relevant to software testing, allowing testers to learn Java at an accelerated pace.

By reading this book, you’ll gain a solid foundation in Java programming, enabling you to effectively implement test automation solutions. With its emphasis on practicality and the expertise of the author, “Software Test Automation – Java for Testers: Learn Java Fundamentals Fast” is an invaluable resource for testers who want to enhance their automation skills using Java.

Author: Alan Richardson

Cost: 1943 INR

Publication year: 2015

Rating: 4.4

12. The Way of the Web Tester: A Beginner’s Guide to Automating Tests

It is a software testing book that aims to help readers understand three key aspects of web testing. Firstly, it teaches how to write effective automated tests for the web/UI. Secondly, it gives testing guidelines that help the readers select the right tests to focus on. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of team communication and collaboration to maximize testing efforts.

Jonathan Rasmusson, the author of this book, goes above and beyond to make the content engaging and enjoyable. Alongside the technical knowledge, you’ll find a plethora of cartoons, graphics, best practices, humorous anecdotes, and real-life stories. This unique approach creates an immersive and enjoyable reading experience.

If you want to dive into UI automation, “The Way of the Web Tester” is an invaluable resource. It offers hands-on tutorial exercises and practical guidance that can greatly benefit beginners in the field.

Author: Jonathan Rasmusson

Cost: 1973 INR

Publication year: 2016

Rating: 4.5

Conclusion 

The list mentioned above on the top 12 software testing books is a valuable resource for individuals looking to start their journey in software testing. By exploring these books, you can gain in-depth knowledge and enhance your skills in this field. Continuous learning and skill development are crucial in the rapidly evolving software industry, and these books provide an excellent foundation for growth. Don’t hesitate to dive into software testing and use these books for testing to kickstart or further advance your career as a software tester. 

FAQs – Best Software Testing Books

Q1. Are these software testing books suitable for beginners?

Yes, they offer a comprehensive introduction to software testing concepts and techniques, making them accessible for those starting their journey in the field.

Q2. Can these books help advance my career as a software tester?

Absolutely! They cover various aspects of software testing, including automation, agile methodologies, test design, and more, enabling you to develop your skills and stay updated with industry best practices.

Q3. Do these books cater to specific areas of software testing?

Yes, the recommended books cover a wide range of topics in software testing, including web testing, test automation, agile testing, and test design. 

Q4. Which is the best software testing book for manual and automation?

The best software testing book for both manual and automation is The Art of Software Testing, 3rd Edition which was published back in 1979, following to this, Software Testing, 2nd Edition (2005), Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach, Fourth Edition falls among the top books for software testing.