Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Google Releases 'Testing on the Toilet'

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the logging-off dept.

JasonK writes "Here's a type of Google launch you don't see every day: Testing on the Toilet. This is a service that has been apparently been running internally for several months and teaching developers about testing during their 'down time,' so to speak. Due to the wild success of the program inside of Google, they decided to start a blog where they will post these weekly episodes so that the rest of us can print them out and have our own reading on the can. Is this a step towards Google becoming more open about their development practices?"

12 of 192 comments (clear)

  1. Huh? Wha? by gbulmash · · Score: 5, Interesting

    So now Google's gunning for Uncle John's Bathroom Reader ?

    Honestly, I don't see this as a positive development. My time on the pot is a time for reflection and grunting. If someone leaves the section with the comics and "Dear Abby" in the stall, I might elect to read, but I prefer to dump and run (TMI??). Also, knowing what Google employees are reading while they crap... Would "disquieting" be the right word for the sense of unease this gives me?

    - Greg

    --
    Start a happiness pandemic
    1. Re:Huh? Wha? by AstrumPreliator · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Weird, when I'm stuck on a tough problem I actually tend to go to the bathroom to solve it. No distractions or the like when you're on the john and you get the added bonus of feeling good (at least men do). I also take a shower to release tension. It's the perfect place to kick back and relax so you're not just grinding your teeth over it.

      Now having said that I don't want that stuff in the bathroom at work. I'd rather have a bit of peace than more work shoved at me ;).

    2. Re:Huh? Wha? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      New products may make a splash, but pity the guy who has to examine the logs.

    3. Re:Huh? Wha? by Lord+Ender · · Score: 5, Funny

      I don't deny that I'm an insensitive clod (as many of my failed dates will attest(but seriously, get a real job girls(and a real degree(damn, i'm drunk right now, and i work in the morning(count those perens, you lisp bitches(i'm going to die alone :-())))))), but ridiculing the severely-obese could, possibly, motivate the fatties to stop killing themselves, thus saving decades of their lives.

      If your job doesn't afford you enough time to exercise (=1hr/night), QUIT because your life is worth more than an extra 20k/year!!!!!

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
  2. Stupid questions by Bromskloss · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Is this a step towards Google becoming more open about their development practices?
    Why does every Slashdot story have to end with a question? Often an uninteresting one at that? Do you think it sounds more intellectual, encouraging a discussion, or what? Please stop it! (Also, please don't compose headlines consisting of a statement followed by a question mark?)
    --
    Swedish plasma phys. PhD student; MSc EE; knows maths, programming, electronics; finance interest; seeks opportunities
  3. "Can't we act like adults... by maynard · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mr.... *Poopypants*!?!?!?!" -Lt. Frank Drebin

  4. Cute idea by countSudoku() · · Score: 5, Funny

    No that's thinking outside of the box! Personally, I like to do testing in the kitchen, then QA in the shower, then go production on the can... but that's just me.

    --
    This is the NSA, we're gonna geet U h@x0r5! Also, what is a h@x0r5?
  5. Here I sit all broken hearted by Profane+MuthaFucka · · Score: 5, Funny

    Tried to test, and only farted.
    Then one day I took a chance,
    Passed the test and shit my pants!

    --
    Fascism trolls keeping me up every night. When I starts a preachin', he HITS ME WITH HIS REICH!
  6. Re:Another reason not to work for Google. by geekoid · · Score: 5, Funny

    The first time a manager hands me some test documentation to read in the can, will be the second time I hand a manager a poop wrapped in a test document.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  7. The road to hell is paved with good intentions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Decades from now, when we are suffering under the tyranny of Google, we will wistfully look back on this as the moment when they started to become evil. It always starts small, and with the best of intentions. I JUST WANNA TAKE A DUMP, OK??? LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!

  8. Yes, it is a cult by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting
    I worked for almost a year as a contractor for Google. The definition that probably defines this company quite well is a cult. It was evident that no one would criticize any aspect of the company, would do anything that they were asked to. Also, it was like employees were too thankful for having the privilege of working there. When you add a big dose of arrogance (I guess that being told day after day you are the best of the best produces those results) to the mix, you get what Google is within.

    It was indeed a very weird environment. I have worked in other big companies, but never say anything like that. The day my contract ended was a good one.

  9. Re:The Google cult (or maybe not....) by CosmeticLobotamy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Okay, I'm reading too much into this now; just bear in mind that Google's uber-friendly, everything-you-want-here campuses and the like have the advantage of keeping their employees happy, productive and within the Google sphere of influence. Sinister or not?

    Man, those guys just can't win. Be a jerk to your employees, and you're a jerk. Try to make your employees happy, and you're sinisterly keeping them under your influence. I guess the optimum, then, is to give employees free soda and plenty of vacation time, but have the guy at the front desk smack them in the face and call them a bitch when they first walk in the door in the morning.