Software Development and Testing

Key Points

• Software is dynamic, unlike traditional engineering (e.g., bridges).
• Development involves multiple abstractions and evolving requirements.
• The primary goal is to ensure code meets product requirements.

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

• Definition: A development process that emphasizes writing tests before the actual code.
• Benefits:
  • Scientifically proven to reduce defects.
  • Improves maintainability of the codebase.
• Drawbacks: Requires additional effort from developers.

Testing Methods

Manual Testing

• Involves a human clicking through the application and filling forms.
• Generates Jira tickets for developers to address issues.
• Limitation: Inefficient for large-scale products.

Automated Testing

• Utilizes tools to automate testing processes.
• Developers write specific code to test the main application code.
• Test files typically end in .test or .spec.

Test Structure

• Test Suite: Contains one or more individual tests.
• Individual Test: Begins with it, describes the test case.
• Expectations/Assertions: Used to verify the results of the tests.
  • If false, the test fails; if true, it passes.

Test Runners

• Examples: Jest, Karma.
• Can run tests automatically in the background or on CI servers before deployment.

Types of Testing

1. Unit Testing:

   • Tests individual functions or methods.
   • Example: Checks if a function returns the correct value for given inputs.

2. Integration Testing:

   • Evaluates how different components work together.
   • Example: Checks if a component can access data from a database service.

3. End-to-End Testing:

   • Conducted in a mock browser or device.
   • Simulates actual user interactions (e.g., clicking buttons, filling forms).
   • Functions like automated manual testing.

4. Other Types:

   • Performance Testing
   • Smoke Testing

Conclusion

• More detailed exploration of testing strategies to come in future content.
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