Mike Stewart
Mike is a software test lead for Microsoft's Visual FoxPro team. As a test lead, he directs the testing efforts of those on his team, as well as testing the Visual FoxPro product. He was an independent consultant for seven years before coming to Microsoft, specializing in custom database applications built with Visual FoxPro, C++, Delphi and Visual Basic.
Articles Authored
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Maximizing Your Testing Results
Last updated: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Published in: CODE Magazine: 2002 - January/February
In "Maximizing Your Testing Results," Mike Stewart emphasizes that effective software testing requires strategic, systematic approaches rather than random execution. He advocates combining multiple methods—such as risk-based testing, functional testing, boundary testing, code coverage analysis, exploratory testing, regression testing, and automation—to prioritize high-risk areas and maximize bug detection within limited time. Stewart highlights the impossibility of testing all code paths due to software complexity and underscores the importance of documented test plans and coverage metrics to guide efforts and justify testing decisions. His goal is to help testers optimize their time and improve software quality efficiently.