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About this quote

What does it mean?
Testing a project by turning it on and checking for failure is an old engineering practice.
In plain terms
The final engineering test is to turn on a machine and see if it breaks.
What can you take from it?
Practical testing is the ultimate proof of functionality.

Where it applies

  • product launch
  • debugging
  • hardware testing

Putting it to work

  • test early and often
  • expect failures in new systems

Questions to consider

  • What defines a successful test?
  • Is breaking things part of the process?

Another view

Modern engineering often relies on simulation before physical testing.

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