Next Steps
Now it's your turn. This article has presented several tools and techniques for testers who want to work more closely with developers. Pick one method and try it. If you're good with tools, look at some of the links in the references at the end of this article. If you're less technical but still want a better developer/tester relationship, simply start a dialogue with the developers and see what you can do to make life easier for them. Occasionally call a developer over and ask for help, even if you don't need it. Finally, if all else fails, I've never had a problem getting a developer to skip out of work early on a Friday to grab a drink (project schedule permitting, of course).