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Join us for this year’s EuroSTAR Conference in stunning Copenhagen; a surprisingly compact, easy to navigate city, oozing Scandi cool from all corners. Bridges bustle with cyclists, colourful houses hug the harbours, and the city is abundant with cultural riches. Let’s dive in to 10 things to do while you’re here ☀️

1. Stroll through Tivoli Gardens

The iconic Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen’s central theme park – and the second-oldest amusement park in the world. Visitors have been flocking here since the 19th century, and it’s inspired the likes of Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney, who both visited many times (Walt Disney found his inspiration for Disney World here). And it’s no wonder: Tivoli features exotic architecture, lush gardens and picnic lawns, a scenic lake; and the iconic Star Flyer to send you soaring through the skies. At night, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate that fairytale feeling.

2. Explore history at the Museum of Copenhagen

The Museum of Copenhagen sits right behind City Hall, and tells the story of the city through its artefacts, buildings, people, and culture. Explore your way around 800 years of the city’s history, from Viking tales, to plagues, bikes, fires, and the building boom – everything which has shaped Copenhagen into what it is today. You’ll get to grips with some incredible archaeological finds – including the skeleton of a warrior from the Middle Ages, and an early edition of a bicycle made of wood! Exhibits feature installations that bring history to life, including an interactive model that gives you an overview of the entire city.

3. Take in a show at Wallmans

The historic circus building, Cirkusbygningen, is home to Wallmans Dinnerparty, a magical show packed with sumptuous music, artistry and impressive acrobatics. Artists serve at the tables and perform, not only on the stage, but also in every corner of the circus arena. After the show’s grand finale, the venue turns into a nightclub – one of the biggest in Copenhagen! We’re so excited to host our EuroSTAR 2022 Gala Awards dinner here, with a massive celebration encompassing a show, dinner, and the EuroSTAR Software Testing Awards. This is a night you don’t want to miss.

4. Plunge into pristine waterways

You’re never far from a swimming opportunity in Copenhagen, and summer is the ideal time to embrace its waterways and go for a dip. Try the centrally located ‘harbour baths’, which are free public swimming pools located along the harbours and fjords of the city – and there are plenty of them. As part of wellness at EuroSTAR, we are hosting daily morning swims during the conference, so make sure you join us for an invigorating wake up.

5. Hang out at Nyhavn

This 17th century harbour is easily one of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen, and it’s hard to find a more beautiful spot to hang out on a sunny day. Nyhavn has a history as colourful as its buildings – originally this was a commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock, and it was packed with sailors visiting its pubs and alehouses. It was also a favorite haunt of Hans Christian Anderson, and where he was inspired to write. Today, the multicolored houses have been renovated and its bustling quay is lined with wooden ships, modern boat, and restaurants.

6. See historic trees at Frederiksberg Gardens

Frederiksberg Gardens has been a favorite spot for locals for centuries. It’s arguably Copenhagen’s most romantic park, with lakes, canals, woodlands and goergous trees and shrubs. Don’t miss one of its most unusual attractions, the suttetræet (sucky tree), located north of the Chinese Pavilion. The 250-year-old tree is hard to miss, its branches hung with hundreds of colourful ribbons tied to baby pacifiers. According to Danish tradition, when a toddler turns three it is time to give up their pacifier. They entrust the pacifier to their local suttetræet, along with a note on behalf of the toddler asking the tree to take good care of it.

7. Enjoy the epic sights at Kastellet

Kastellet is one of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe. It was originally commissioned by Frederik III in 1662. You can walk or jog the grassy ramparts, and take in the moat surrounding some beautiful 18th-century barracks, as well as a chapel occasionally used for concerts. The high walls of the fortress offer a lovely view of the harbor, and don’t miss the charming windmill.

8. Bike across Copenhagen’s bridges

Copenhagen is made for bikes, and that includes its bridges. Hop on two wheels and go for a ride across the harbour. Start south along the Cykelslangen (bike snake), a stunning, curved bridge which takes you on a criss-cross seven meters above one of the harbour baths. Once you get across the harbour, you can bike on to Olafur Eliasson’s Circle Bridge, then ride back over the harbor on the new Lille Langebro bridge. You’ll also come across the Inderhavnsbroen, AKA the Kissing Bridge, in Christianshavn.

9. Visit the Little Mermaid

This may be Copenhagen’s smallest attraction, but it’s packed with history. Based on the 1837 fairy tale The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, this small and unimposing statue is a Copenhagen icon, and has been a major tourist attraction since its unveiling in 1913. It was a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen, after he attended the ballet based on the story. He was so impressed that he asked Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create the statue. The sculpture is made of bronze and granite, and sits in the water at Langelinie Pier.

10. Experience hygge

Of course, we couldn’t talk about Copenhagen without mentioning hygge. Pronounced hoo-gah, it’s a unique term that defines cosy social gatherings and intimate get-togethers, expressing the feeling of wellbeing and warm atmospheres. You can get your hygge on right here at EuroSTAR – the whole software testing community is coming together to chat, connect, learn from each other, and create lots of memorable moments.

What are you waiting for? It’s your last chance for EuroSTAR tickets as we count down to June 7th. Book your ticket now – and if you book a team, you save up to 30%. See you in sunny Copenhagen.

We can’t believe that EuroSTAR 2022 is just a few weeks away. We’re busy adding all the finishing touches to a massive celebration as we bring the whole software testing community together again – in-person for the first time in 2 years. It’s an extra special conference this year as we celebrate EuroSTAR’s 30th birthday! We want to thank everyone for being part of a really special community over the past 30 years. Superstar speakers on this year’s programme include James Lyndsay, Smita Mishra, Michaël Pilaeten, Alex Schladebeck, Rikard Edgren, Anne Kramar, and more.

Now is the BEST time to book your Early Bird ticket – prices are rising on April 22nd, and it’s our final offer of the year. You save 10% on individual tickets, and up to 35% if you bring the whole team.

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s conference.

4 days of learning from the world’s leading test experts

The 2022 committee has carefully curated a programme bringing together the brightest minds in the software testing community. Our testing experts are bringing new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a vast wealth of experience to all of the talks. They are here to help YOU achieve your testing goals, so take your place next to some series brainpower and bring all your questions, thoughts, ideas, and a let’s put our heads together.

There are 70 sessions this year – with 5 inspiring keynotes, 10 tutorials, & 55 track talks to get creativity flowing. Of course, there will be lots of actionable ideas and new processes for you to take home and apply to your work right away.

In-depth tutorial training

Our 10 tutorial trainers are here to deep dive into all the topics you care about the most – agile, DevOps, automation, strategy, management, and more. Learn new ways to solve the typical problems that impact on test and quality in Scrum. Develop your critical thinking and testing skills. Discover a visual ATDD approach you can start applying to your projects. Understand how to implement exploratory testing concepts through all phases of testing. And So. Much. More.

The EuroSTAR tutorials are focused on being interactive, and give you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss problems with your peers, and find solutions together. Choose between half and full day tutorials.

Networking and community events

It’s always nonstop networking at EuroSTAR, and this year is no different. The Huddle Community Area is the heart of the conference – this is where you can hang out in between talks, chat to speakers at couch sessions, enjoy Lean Coffee, games, prizes, and lots more. It’s also where you’ll find the Test Lab and Test Clinic, where our dedicated testing experts are on hand to help you.

Once the day is finished, it’s on to EuroSTAR at Night! The EXPO Community Networking party is your opportunity to connect with leaders in software testing tools and services. There’s also plenty of opportunity to chat in between talks, and have impromptu discussions with other attendees.

1:1 problem solving

This is your chance to solve your software testing problems with the help of onsite test experts. Whether you’re a QA manager, team lead, test architect, software developer in test… the Test Doctors are here to help. Have a problem that’s slowing you or your team down?

Tell us what you need help on, and our Test Doctors will offer coaching and guidance on ideas and solutions. They bring years of testing experience and knowledge – and have yet to meet a problem they can’t solve. You can either join an open session or book a private consultation.

New tools and services

The EXPO area is a huge part of the conference. It’s where attendees go to visit in between sessions, and it draws some of the biggest companies in the world – all armed with solutions for you. Discover new testing tools, check out all the latest trends in software testing, and get lots of cool demos.

Did we mention the prizes? Every year, the EXPO booths offer incredible prizes and cool swag for you to bring home. Visit the Expo booths throughout the conference to find out how you can get your hands on some super cool stuff!

You know what to do next – go check out our offers and book your Early Bird ticket to Europe’s best software testing conference, at the best price.

How to network at a virtual conference

One of the best things about a conference is those impromptu meetings and introductions with new people – standing in a coffee line, an evening event, hangout sessions, or just wandering around the expo.

Think virtual events lack this spontaneity? Think again. Virtual first bumps are the new handshake, and we’ll have lots of them at EuroSTAR Online! Here’s how to make the most of networking opportunities at EuroSTAR.

Let people know you’re attending 

First thing’s first: get the news out there that you’re attending Europe’s #1 test event! This is a great way to attract your peers who are also attending. Share it on your blog, attend our event on LinkedIn, and share across your social media channels. Want to win a prize? Download & share this graphic with the hashtag #EuroSTARConf on LinkedIn or Twitter and the 2 people with the most likes or comments will win €50 Amazon vouchers each.

Establish your goals

You need to be more intentional about networking in a virtual environment – but it’s well worth a little extra effort. A lot of the stress of a live event is gone, such as traveling and rushing to sessions, so it leaves more time for meaningful conversations. Make a list of your networking goals to help you focus your efforts and figure out where and how to invest your time,.

Here’s a couple to start you off:

• I will introduce myself to at least five new people
• I will swap my contact details with ten attendees

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Get busy on social media

During the conference, use the hashtag #EuroSTARConf on Twitter and Facebook, and post your thoughts on sessions, share screengrabs of your favourite talks or events, and chat with other attendees.

Share your insights in Q&A sessions

Our keynotes and talks are a perfect opportunity for you to get involved in discussions with other attendees. Showcase your expertise by actively engaging with attendees and presenters during our live Q&A sessions. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and get involved.

Try speed meeting

Our speed meet event lets you meet people for a 3 minute chat. Simply enter the speed meeting room and click to start chatting. Exchange details so that you can continue talking in 1:1 video chats on the platform if you run out of time and want to keep chatting – something that happens regularly to our attendees!

Join AMAs with speakers

We have exciting Ask Me Anything sessions with some of the best minds in testing. This is your chance to chat to keynotes Michael Bolton, Abby Bangser, Ronald Cummings-John, and ask them your burning questions!

Join the Huddle networking lounge for games and chats

The Huddle area is the beating heart of EuroSTAR: an all-inclusive community space to work together, share knowledge and fulfill your potential. Chat to some of the best testing minds, solve problems, test your security testing skills at our Shadow Bank challenge, play games, or just hang out.

Attend the Test Lab and Test Clinic

Our test doctors Russell and Dorota will be on hand for 1:1 sessions and open clinics to solve all your testing problems. Make an appointment at the test clinic here! Chat with like-minded people who might have the same problem as you – and are just as excited to have a solution. The Test Lab is back with some challenging games – get your thinking caps on! Join us for Dice game, Black stories and lots more.

Set aside the time

This is your time to invest in yourself, and your career. Make sure you’ve blocked off time in your calendar for the whole 3 days, including time after sessions to chat with new connections. Get comfortable and have lots of water, coffee, and snacks on hand, with as little distraction as possible.

Haven’t got your ticket yet? It all kicks off in less than a week! Book your ticket now.

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Pair programming, also known as pairing or “dynamic duo” model is not a new concept, and it was pioneered by C/C++ guru P.J. Plauger (Scott W. Ambler, Larry Constantine, 2001). This practice consists of two developers working together off of a single screen: one is the driver, who actively codes, whereas the other, the navigator, provides instant feedback.
Once teams focus on making pair programming work and get the dynamics right, they can reap multiple benefits from it.

In this post, we will uncover how all of our Product teams gathered to brainstorm about this technique and the advantages we came up with. It is important to address here, that pairing isn’t necessarily a concept exclusive to developers; anyone can pair, whether you’re in HR, Finance or Marketing, and right now, as remote work is more embedded than ever in our society, this is probably the best time to try it out.

We already had some development teams experimenting with pairing in the past and, as we went fully remote over two months ago, we thought that this concept made even more sense for others to try it out. Acknowledging its strong reputation, we wanted to encourage all the teams in Engineering to also experiment and adopt pairing, and eventually scale it to other departments. At the end of the day, this could be an opportunity for people to keep a connection with each other while working away from the office.

Facing the current “work from home” scenario, we decided then to join teams virtually, starting with the different development teams. Through a workshop format and breakout rooms with random groups of four or five people, we had everyone collaborating, sharing experiences and knowledge around Pairing.

As an outcome, we uncovered some of the benefits of this technique, why we should adopt it, and what makes it work. This was turned into a chapter in our handbook for everyone to refer to when pairing and to serve as a basis for every pairing experience at Codacy, whether in person or remotely.

The positives of pair programming

• We improve knowledge sharing, effectively helping each other grow
  We are able to shorten the learning period of our codebase and therefore improve the onboarding.
• We decrease the bus factor
  By constantly working side by side, and being able to proceed with work if one person is unable to work on a given day, this makes us much more resilient as squads and as a company; over time it will be easier to have each other’s backs whenever needed.
• We make our reviews easier and simpler
  When we pair, we’re discussing and getting real-time feedback on the work that we’re doing. This helps to improve the quality and speed of delivery because we find issues sooner rather than when we request a review.
• We work in a more focused way
  We already knew reducing the amount of Work in Process (WIP) makes us go faster and be more efficient. When we pair, there are fewer streams of work open in parallel. That means we’re more focused on delivering the most prioritized features and can maintain the workflow.
• We deliver better work when we do it together
  We’re excited about having cross-functional teams that can deliver a feature from start to finish. Pairing allows us to not just learn from each other, but also to increase the discipline of our practice, and do the right thing together.
• We get much faster feedback
  With pairing, we’re able to shift left and bring quality sooner rather than later. This brings much higher quality upfront, avoids making mistakes and later fixes, therefore also improving our speed.
• We increase out teamwork levels
  We go back and forth trying to solve a problem together, which increases empathy levels and improves relationships. This leads to a better understanding of each other, creating cool and fun dynamics between people in the squad.
  Especially when pairing remotely, there’s a higher sense of productivity since we’re helping each other move forward with the challenge at hand.
• We become better synched
  Since we’re rotating pairs and we’re tackling things together, we inherently become more in sync with each other. Chances of being blocked are reduced and the overall alignment is better.

With the benefits listed, the next step was to understand how we would make it work and get the most out of it, considering the challenges that may arise.

There are a lot of behaviors and practices that contribute to a great pairing experience and that boost the quality and resilience of our squads.

What contributes to a great experience

• It’s important to define the roles
  It’s useful to have a pre-agreed set of guidelines on the pairing roles: Driver & Navigator. This helps in having a better understanding of the duties of each member, reducing friction and discussions whilst helping to focus on the challenge to be solved.
• Communicate constantly and use clear, visual language
  Thinking out loud, constantly speaking your thoughts, whether you’re the driver or the navigator, creates a guiding line for the reasoning of the pair and the work being done. It also helps you catch loopholes on your internal reasoning.
• Remote preparations
  It’s important that you’ve got silent conditions and a good microphone (make sure you test it). Remember that someone else is going to be looking at your screen, so adjust the resolution or font size in order for the other person to see well.
  Visual cues are incredibly important, so make sure cameras are on and you can see each other while screen sharing. Try to keep the distractions for both people at a minimum.
• Pairing dynamics
  Before starting the pairing session make sure you’re both aware of each other’s schedules. Agree on a time for breaks, and respect those agreements.
  To avoid getting distracted or creating an uneven dynamic, rotate frequently between the driver and the navigator. Set a timer to trigger a rotation at least every 30 minutes. Base your rotation on time, not completion of a task (to prevent never rotating).
• Be collaborative
  It’s really important to be open for some collaboration, accepting that there are going to be fewer parallel streams of work and a sense of speed decrease. The benefits outweigh these, so keep them in mind because you’ll be triggering feedback earlier and avoid possible rewrites of code.
• Boost knowledge sharing
  Pairing is an opportunity to help someone become a better professional and also to grow by learning from someone else. This openness to learn and teach is crucial for the pairing dynamic to work.
  It’s also important to note that, in case someone knows way more than its pair, the person with the least knowledge should be encouraged to assume the driver role for longer.
• Keep your mind open for all ideas
  We all have different opinions. If we feel they are listened to and taken into account, we’ll be more willing to reach a compromise.
• Rotate pairs frequently (e.g. twice a week)
  Schedule the rotation of the elements of each pair. Make it dependent on time, not on task. If you’re halfway through a task when you’re supposed to rotate, simply choose which member of the pair continues working on it with their new pair colleague. This will also help to boost knowledge sharing and resilience in your squad.
• Constantly improve, and share key learnings with the team
  Focus on improving pairing over time. Have debrief moments after each pairing session, understanding what can happen to make it a better experience next time. Sharing this helps to build trust in each other and to create better dynamics.
• Align work with your squad
  It’s relevant to communicate beforehand which tasks will benefit most from pairing and when each person is available for pairing. Use refinements to signal which tasks must be tackled in a pair.
• If things go wrong
  Ask someone else’s help to ease any conflict that might have occurred. Remember that each person has different needs, personality and working styles, so it’s normal that you need some time, practice, trust and love in order to make the pairing work.

In this session, we fostered a moment where our squads shared their experience and lessons learned with each other, giving us the ability to understand more notably the advantages of pairing. This allowed everyone to increase their ability to pair, or at least encourage them to do it more regularly, knowing they have these guidelines as help, and more importantly, the rest of the organization supporting them.

At the end of the day, by engaging with this technique, development teams can avoid later fixes, reduce bugs, consequently improve speed, and cut the overall cost of programming. We’re already seeing some of these, and as an example, in the last few weeks, we reduced massively the number of new bugs, seeing up to a 75% reduction. Of course, this can be attributed to other factors as well, still, some of the results obtained after we started pairing have been remarkable.

In addition, pairing empowers our team members to grow in a shorter time span while contributing to social interactions. This also contributes to increasing the resiliency and knowledge of our teams and organization: when you pair, you are learning from, discovering with, or teaching someone else.

Having all of our different engineering teams embracing this technique was an achievement and the feedback is very positive. It also impacted our company culture, so much so that our next goal is having all of the other departments in the organization also trying it out, by following these insights we just shared. As we touched upon in the beginning, the truth is, anyone can pair and see benefits from doing it, regardless of the department one is in.

Enjoyed this article? There are tons of learning opportunities at EuroSTAR Online, taking place this month, Nov 17-19. Check out our programme of incredible speakers and book your ticket now!

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Author: Jaime Jorge

I’m CEO and Co-founder of Codacy, an automated code review service that lets developers, teams and companies be more efficient and less frustrated. My background is in software engineering, where I hold a MSc in Software Engineering from Instituto Superior Tecnico. My company has allowed me to have experience in: fundraising, hiring, growth hacking, software engineering, PR, product development, customer development, sales. If you love your craft, contact me. Passionate people always make my day.