Task: Implement Developer Tests |  |
Implement one or more tests that enable the validation of the individual implementation elements through execution.
Disciplines: Development
Purpose
Prepare to validate an implementation element (e.g. an operation, a class, a stored procedure) through unit testing. The result is one or more new developer tests.
Relationships
Roles | Primary Performer: Developer | Additional Performers: Tester
Inputs | Mandatory: [Software Implementation] Build Implementation | Optional: [Software Design] Design
Outputs | Developer Test
Main Description
Developer testing is different from other forms of testing in that it is based on the expected behavior of code units rather than being directly based on the system requirements. It is best to do this at a small scale, much smaller than the complete code base to be authored by a developer over the course of an iteration. This can be done for one operation, one field added to a user interface, one stored procedure, etc. As the code base is incrementally built, new tests will be authored and existing tests might be revisited to test additional behavior.
Steps
Refine scope and identify the test(s)
Select the increment of work to be tested and identify developer test(s) to verify that the software implementation being developed behaves correctly. One source for the expected behavior for an implementation element is the software design. In identifying the tests or in any other part of this task, consider collaborating with a team member who is well-versed in the issues of testing.
Write the test setup
To successfully run a test the system must be in a known state so that the correct behavior can be defined. Implement the setup logic that must be performed as part of the developer test.
Define the expected results
Define the expected results of each test so that it can be verified. After a test runs, you need to be able to compare the results of running the test against what was expected to happen. The test is successful when the actual results match the expected results.
Write the test logic
Write the steps that perform the actual test(s).
Define the test response
Define the information the test(s) must produce to successfully indicate success or failure. Consider if a response of True or False is sufficient, or if a detailed message should be logged as well.
Write clean-up code
Identify, and then implement, the steps to be followed in order to restore the environment to the original state for each test. The goal is to ensure that there are no side effects from running the tests.
Test the test
Verify that each developer test works correctly. To do this: Run the test(s), observe their behavior, and fix any defects in the tests. Ensure that the expected results are defined properly and that they're being checked correctly. Check the clean-up logic for each test. Ensure that each developer test works within your test suite framework.
Key Considerations
Automate tests via a unit regression testing tool (for example, xUnit) so that tests may be run by developers whenever they make changes to the code. Test to the risk of the implementation element. For example, the more critical an element is, the more important it is to test it thoroughly. Pair with team members with testing skills in all steps of this task to gain insight on testing and quality considerations. The [Project Work] is implicitly used in implementation tasks to manage which requirements or change requests are being realized in the code.
Alternatives
Rely on acceptance tests to validate your software. This will likely be time consuming, late, and not as effective as developer testing in identifying bugs and finding their location in the code.
More Information
Concepts | Developer Testing
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