T Te Tes Test Testi Testin Testing -> Can anyone please explain the evolution of term Testing?

Dear Community :star2:

Please share your thoughts on question asked in Title of post.

I am not able to figure out the origin of term Testing.

Excited to hear all of you with your precious thoughts :blush:

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Hello @testnsolve ,

Oh, that is an interesting question about the word “Testing”. I do enjoy how technical terms are developed over time.
Think of it like watching a plant grow-the word “Test” actually comes from Latin “testum” which was a little earthen pot used for testing metals. Pretty cool, huh? Over time, it morphed into the Old French word “test,” which meant testing or trial.
The progression you had written out (T → Te → Tes → Test → Testi → Testin → Testing) is in reality showing how we assemble words in English by placing letters one at a time. It’s kind of like building a building-from foundation (T) outward until you have the building, the full structure-testing.
In software terms, “testing” became a word when the old-timers of computer land wanted a term to express the fact that their programs checked out. They co-opted this ancient definition of “putting something to trial” and made it their own.
But honestly, how interesting to see a term that is derived from an initial description for a small pot used for testing metals emerge as being so integral to software development!
What interested you in the etymology of this word? Are you testing software, too?

Cheers,
Ramanan

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A quick internet search for “test etymology” seems to bring up some decent results. Are you looking for something more than that?

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I am in some thoughts process of understanding the term by its phonetics POV.

Not sure now, but will post as I get clarity.

@c32hedge Thanks for kind gesture of taking it forward :raised_hands:

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Thanks @ramanan49 :clap:

You research capabilities are awsum :bouquet:

Thank you mate @testnsolve :blush:

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I am not sure if analysis of the phonetics of the word “testing” may reveal any insight about activity or the craft. I guess it’s as fun of a language game as any.

I am not linguist, but I imagine phonetics might be useful when trying to understand the etymology of the word. It might also reveal the common ancestry of certain words, which might give limited insight into how people in the past saw the world, although this is the line that needs to be walked very carefully.

However, the etymology of the word “testing” is already well documented and you don’t need to try your own phonetics-based analysis. “Test” in medieval Europe referred to a small vessel used in metal works. By late 16th century “test” already broadened the meaning to mean some kind of trial or examination. By early 20th century “testing” was used in construction, workshops, academia and other places. When computers entered a view in mid-20th century, it was only natural that assessing a computer program (for correctness, fit of purpose, ability to run it in certain environment etc.) would be called “testing”. I’m not sure if there is a record of someone specifically using the word “testing” when talking about computers for the first time and if we can track the meaning to some specific person or event. Honestly, I doubt it and I would be skeptical of any such claims.

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Thanks @mirekdlugosz :bouquet: