The problem with manual testing (Uncle Bob)

#UncleBob #CleanCode #TestAutomation #AgileDevelopment #DeveloperProductivity #SoftwareEngineering #QA #FlowState #ImmediateFeedback #StevenKotler #AgileTesting #DevCulture #CodingWisdom #AutomatedTesting #TechTalks


In this powerful clip, Uncle Bob (Robert C. Martin) makes a compelling case against manual testing in software development. He shares a vivid story from 2008 where a QA manager had 80,000 manual tests costing $1M every six months—until budget cuts forced a painful decision.

Manual testing always leads to one thing: losing the tests—either through budget cuts or corner-cutting due to time pressure. Uncle Bob argues that developers are automation experts, and test automation is part of their craft.

This clip also ties into Steven Kotler’s concept of flow and immediate feedback. Manual testing disrupts developer focus and flow, while fast-running automated tests keep devs in the zone, enabling both quality and velocity.

If you care about agile, clean code, developer happiness, or just saving a million bucks, this one’s for you.

Subscribe for more insights on software engineering, agile practices, and the culture behind clean code.

Key Topics:
Why manual testing doesn’t scale
The hidden cost of QA
Flow state and developer productivity
Immediate feedback and agile
Why developers must own test automation

Sources:
   • Clean Code - Uncle Bob / Lesson 3  
   • How Is Immediate Feedback A Flow Trigger?