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Steven Harmansteven harman :: makes sweet software with computers!

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When Should I Write Tests?

That is a question I get quite a bit, albeit in a variety of different flavors, but the heart of the question is always the same.

So, inspired a conversation with my friend Corey, and a certain talk from a recent Ruby Hoedown that he told me about, I decided to clear up the issue once and for all. And to make it perfectly clear, I decided to register some new URLs that are easy to remember:

Go give them a read, I think you’ll get the gist pretty quickly.

(Thanks also to Brian Liles for the inspiration)

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kick it on DotNetKicks.com

What others are saying.

# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Derick Bailey
Dec 17, 2008
That is by far, the single best answer to that question I've ever seen.

You are the man, Steve. :)
# When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar DotNetKicks.com
Dec 17, 2008
You've been kicked (a good thing) - Trackback from DotNetKicks.com
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Haacked
Dec 17, 2008
I disagree, I don't write tests when I'm asleep.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Chris Canal
Dec 18, 2008
This is awesome :)
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Juliën
Dec 18, 2008
I agree with Derick: best rule of thumb ever!
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar David S.
Dec 18, 2008
I agree with Phil. There needs to be an addendum to allow for sleep. I like sleep.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar rams
Dec 18, 2008
Disagree with Chris:

This is f'ing awesome.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar rams
Dec 18, 2008
Disagree with Chris:

This is f'ing awesome.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Sean
Dec 18, 2008
This post was a stupid waste of time and money.
# Kanban in Software Development. Part 3: Andon and Jidoka - Handling Bugs and Emergency Fixes in Kanban
Let's assume that we are doing the appropriate amount of testing during our development process.
# Kanban in Software Development. Part 3: Andon and Jidoka - Handling Bugs and Eme
Gravatar Derick Bailey.com
Dec 19, 2008
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Mike
Dec 19, 2008
While I agree that everything should have tests written for it, this is a completely unnecessary way to get your point across.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Randolpho
Dec 19, 2008
I half expected a Rick-roll, but this was infinitely better. I've already passed it around the group. Thanks for the laugh!
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Robz
Dec 19, 2008
Totally Awesome. For which there is no charge. :D
# TATFT
Gravatar bryanl
Dec 22, 2008
If I've inspired one person to test today... I've done my job.

TATFT!
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar asdff
Dec 29, 2008
This is the kind of retarded shit that idiots go around blasting to get browny points. It's pointless and you've done absolutely nothing to convince me to test more often. In fact, you make me want to do it less because you're making it a trendy fashion statement. Go fuck yourself and learn something real instead of wasting peoples time with this stupid shit.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Steven Harman
Dec 29, 2008
@asdff, wow... thanks for adding absolutely nothing to the conversation.

Perhaps you'd get more traction if next time you step up and put your name behind your convictions, rather than shouting from the shallow pools of anonymity.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Stephen R
Dec 30, 2008
I agree with the statement but not the way it was expressed. Steve, I read your posts once and a while - but this is unprofessional and crude. Just a bad choice this time.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Scott
Jan 13, 2009
gee steve, golly your language is so foul it hurt my precious crybaby sensibilities.

# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Rob
Jan 13, 2009
@asdff I've seen people do stupider shit to make a point, or get a laugh.

It got a chuckle from me, and gets the point across to anyone who will happen across it.

Phil makes a good point too.
# re: When Should I Write Tests?
Gravatar Zac
Jan 27, 2009
Interesting approach :) ... now all you have to do is to get developers on board :) ... how about another URL "UnitTestYourCodeB4Release.com" :)
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