Test-Driven Development & Self-Testing Code

Course details

Test-Driven Development is a technique to help programmers write code that is higher in quality and easier to understand and maintain. TDD also helps programmers reduce work stress and deliver their commitments reliably because it dramatically reduces the time needed for debugging and regression testing! However, learning to TDD can be challenging if not guided by a qualified and resourceful mentor.

In this course, programmers will be first introduced to the concept of self-testing code and using xUnit frameworks. Once comfortable with these frameworks, attendees are then gently introduced to Test-Driven Development via show and do strategy. With each progressive step, attendees will see their mentors programming a kata live while describing the TDD thought and action process. Attendees then take their turn in writing the kata while their mentors guide them in adapting the technique with a rhythm and flow that is suitable for each individual.

Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of what TDD is, why it works, its applicability, and how to embrace it. They will also walk away having written many programming exercises (Katas) using TDD, with insight on the quality and maintainability of what they produced.

This is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) course. Each attendee is expected to bring along a portable computer with a suitable IDE installed and operational. The mentors will contact the attendees before the start of the course to ensure proper installation and operation of the environment.

Topics to be covered

• Self-testing code
• xUnit frameworks
• Test structure
• Testing smells
• TDD Process
• TDD Patterns
• TDD Flavours
• TDD and Software Design
• Mocking and isolation
• TDD issues and challenges