For our final assignment for the course, we are being tasked to create a sort of activity similar to the activities we have been doing in class this semester for my software testing course. In working on this activity, we chose to write an assignment based on behavior driven development, using the Cucumber tool. As such, before we really get into the weeds of the assignment, I thought it would be a good idea to look into the tool myself and what behavior driven development looks like.

For today’s post, I’m looking at a blog post from Moisés Macero on The Practical Developer blog.

Firstly, behavior driven development is built for fostering communication and discussion around systems and how they should properly be working. Typically, the process is in three stages: discuss, capture, and write tests. We want to talk about what the requirements really should be between the product owner and developers, refine what our requirements and targets should be, then move forward to building the software and testing it.

What Cucumber does for this is introducing syntax, called Gherkin, to enhance the readability of tests even for people who don’t know how to read code. The syntax is styled in a format of ‘given’, ‘when’, ‘then’. You mark these test cases with keywords such as feature, scenario or example to accurately describe what the code should be doing and how it is being tested. One of the examples used in the article is the following:

  Scenario: Users solve challenges, they get feedback and their stats.
    Given a new user John
    When he requests a new challenge
    And he sends the correct challenge solution
    Then his stats include 1 correct attempt

Here, you can see that the syntax is (probably) easily readable and understandable even if you don’t have any software development experience. These statements are stored in .feature files, and act as sorts of definitions for tests.

For the actual testing, you apply these definitions by writing Cucumber expressions in a step definitions file. These are essentially files that not only test the code in a step-by-step approach, but also features readable headers for each function. Here’s an example of a couple of functions using Cucumber expressions (taken from this post in the same series):

    @Given("a new user {word} is created")
    public void aNewUser(String user) {
        this.challengeActor = new Challenge(user);
    }

    @When("they request a new challenge")
    public void userRequestsANewChallenge() throws Exception {
        this.challengeActor.askForChallenge();
    }

    @Then("they gets a mid-complexity multiplication to solve")
    public void getsAMidComplexityMultiplicationToSolve() {
        assertThat(this.challengeActor.getCurrentChallenge().getFactorA())
                .isBetween(9, 100);
        assertThat(this.challengeActor.getCurrentChallenge().getFactorB())
                .isBetween(9, 100);
    }

Cucumber supports a variety of different languages, and also supports testing frameworks such as JUnit, which means it is also very versatile and can be used alongside a testing driven development environment as well.

From the blog CS@Worcester – V's CompSCi Blog by V and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

During this semester we have learned about many different testing techniques, some being a lot easier than others. One of the testing techniques that we have learned is called Stochastic Testing. Stochastic testing is a type of black box testing method in which random tests are conducted over time. These tests are performed by automated testing tools in order to see if the software can pass a large number of individual tests.

Another type of testing technique that we have talked about is Property-based Testing. Property-based Testing is very similar to Stochastic testing. In this testing technique, the testing is also automated. However, it isn’t just executing the tests that is automated, it is also generating the tests. While researching the topic, I came across an article called “What is Property-based Testing?” by Alex Robert. In this article, Robert states “Property-based testing automates that work for us. Test automation allows us to generate better tests with less work and less code, so that we can focus our effort on the less mechanical work developers excel at. Instead of writing tests with manually created examples, a property-based test defines the types of inputs it needs. In the example above with CommonPrefix, the input would be two strings. The property-based test framework will generate hundreds if not thousands of examples and feed them to your test function.” He talks about how property-based testing can create a ton of different examples for your test function in order to help you test your program.

In this article, Robert also talks about input generators and what they do. A generator is a function that returns an instance of a given type from a source of randomness. These generators are great for randomly creating new inputs for the test function. However, they are only efficient if the generators have a good framework in order to help uncover more issues with the code. Robert gives a list of qualities that he thinks would make a good generator. His qualities include: a generator should be fast, a generator should be deterministic, a generator should not waste randomness, and a generator should cover the code under test. Most of these property-based testing frameworks come with a built-in generator which can be extremely helpful for testers, depending on the type input parameter. I really enjoyed reading this article as looking at all of the examples given by Robert helped my understanding of the topic. I know that if I ever need to use this type of testing technique, I will definitely use this article as a reference.

Link: https://www.mayhem.security/blog/what-is-property-based-testing

From the blog CS@Worcester – One pixel at a time by gizmo10203 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The pattern “Nurture Your Passion” is compelling to me as a software developer who is learning the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and dedication in a challenging work environment. It acknowledges the common struggle many developers face when their passion for the craft is interrupted by factors such as corporate hierarchies, project pressures, or negative workplace dynamics.

What I find compelling about this pattern is its emphasis on taking the right steps to protect and grow one’s passion for software craftsmanship despite adversity getting in the way. It also addresses that while external factors may be discouraging, there are still actions individuals can take to sustain their enthusiasm and commitment to their craft.

I have personally experienced times when my passion for software development wavered due to demanding project deadlines, different obstacles, and lack of recognition. However, this pattern reminds me that while it may seem tough at times, my passion is worth preserving and that I have the tools to nurture it.

One of the aspects this pattern provides that resonates with me is the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life. Prioritizing self-care and making time for out-of-work activities that help rejuvenate my passion allows me to maintain a healthy balance and prevent burnout.

The pattern also underscores the significance of continuous learning and seeking out like-minded peers for support. Professional development opportunities as well as connecting with colleagues who share my enthusiasm for software development can provide me with valuable inspiration and encouragement.

Reflecting on this pattern has reinforced my belief in the adaptability and resilience of software developers. It has reminded me that while external factors can influence the work environment, I have the power to carve my own experience and continue my passion for the craft.

If anything, this pattern has confirmed my intended profession and pursuing a career in software development. There have been times that I considered trying a different career path, but reflecting on this pattern has showed me that my belief and dedication are essential qualities for success in this field, and that overcoming challenges can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Overall, I agree with the principles outlined in this pattern. It serves as a reminder that passion is not something that is given, but rather it is something that should be nurtured and protected, especially when facing adversity. By embracing this mindset and taking the right steps to maintain my passion, I am confident that I can thrive as a software developer despite any obstacles I may encounter.

3. Walking the Long Road | Apprenticeship Patterns (oreilly.com)

From the blog CS@Worcester – Jason Lee Computer Science Blog by jlee3811 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.