An Essay on the Role of Folklore in Software Engineering: Preconceptions and Their Meaning in Software Testing and Test Automation
Eduard Paul Enoiu · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · 2025
The craft of engineering software has accumulated a rich folklore (i.e., shared narratives, humor, rituals, myths, superstitions, and informal heuristics) that circulate among programmers, testers, and managers. These cultural artifacts seem to influence how teams interpret metrics, make architectural decisions, and adopt tools and methodologies. Drawing on ethnographic research, folklore studies, and industry collaboration, this essay explores various categories of software folklore, including narratives, myths, humor, rituals, and superstitions. By surfacing and examining these informal elements, the essay aims to distinguish both heuristics and outdated myths in software engineering as well as software testing and test automation, enabling teams to evolve their practices with both cultural self-awareness and practical grounding.