Category Archives: Software Development

CS448 – Sprint 3 Retrospective

Last Tuesday, we concluded our final of three sprints for CS448 – Software Development Capstone marking the end of the semester/course aside from our final presentations and the ‘capstone’ to my undergraduate Comp. Sci. degree. This sprint and throughout the semester, my team demonstrated exceptional cohesion and proficiency as we learned new skills and frameworks, tackled challenges, and grew together. At the end of last sprint, we still had a few issues with some of the configuration files in the frontend repo we’ve been focusing on: CheckoutGuestFrontend which were causing Pipeline failures. So, we began this sprint by focusing on getting the pipeline straightened out and then moved into strategizing front-end testing frameworks and implementation after having discussed these topics last sprint with

Team 2.

As a team, we managed to finish all of our tasks for this sprint and come to a tidy/clean close to the semester and Thea’s Pantry project. We split the four .vue files which we needed tests developed for up by person, but all helped each other get the first one/configurations sorted:

‘Fix Pipeline for Frontend’ – As mentioned, there were some issues with the pipeline from our additions and designing of the .vue frontend files for CheckoutGuestFrontend in merging our additions. So, we started off this sprint by focusing on this; we did a group code review sharing screen and we were able to work as a team to identify and resolve the problems, passing the pipeline when we finished. https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/inventorysystem/checkoutguestfrontend/-/issues/49

‘After discussing with Team: 01-02, strategize Front-end test implementation’ – After resolving the pipeline issues (and having met with Team 2 to discuss frontend testing), we came back together as a group to strategize how we will go about implementing tests for the various components of CheckoutGuestFrontend. This resulted in creation of four new issues for our board, each representing the task of coding and implementing tests for one of the four .vue files in our repo – planning for one to be addressed by each team member. https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/guestinfosystem/guestinfofrontend/-/issues/93

‘Test Layout.vue (most cases)’ – The .vue file which I worked on from our repo was Layout.vue. This is arguably the largest/most complicated of our files containing code for most of the objects on the screen and as the name suggests, assigning their layout on-screen to be cohesive and according to specifications. This also translated to having many components requiring testing, so I assisted in strategizing tests for some of the other files with my teammates so I could be a bit more familiar when designing my tests.  https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/inventorysystem/checkoutguestfrontend/-/issues/52

Being a part of this team has been an amazing and enriching learning experience. My group was cohesive and helped each other out when they could, contributing to an enjoyable team environment. Through thorough analysis and collaborative problem-solving sessions, we unearthed and swiftly addressed the root causes of inefficiencies, ensuring a streamlined development process going forward. One of the most significant accomplishments of this sprint was our concerted effort to fortify our codebase with robust frontend tests. Recognizing the importance of software reliability, we dedicated time and resources to meticulously design and implement a suite of tests tailored to our repository’s specific needs. This proactive approach not only bolsters our confidence in the integrity of our code but also enhances our ability to catch and rectify potential issues early in the development cycle. As I look back on the sprint and semester, it’s clear that our team’s collective expertise and collaborative spirit were instrumental in achieving these milestones. By prioritizing quality and teamwork, we’ve not only overcome immediate challenges but also laid a solid groundwork for continued success in future endeavors.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Tech. Worth Talking About by jelbirt and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Mastering Automates Testing with Selenium and Java

In the ever evolving world of software development, automated testing has become indispensable. Using tools like Selenium combined with Java, developers can automate their web application testing, improving efficiency and accuracy. This blog post delves into the key takeaways from a helpful Sauce Labs article (https://saucelabs.com/resources/blog/writing-tests-using-selenium-and-java) that outlines how to write testes using Selenium and Java, exploring its relevance to our coursework on software testing methodologies

Summary of the Resource:

The Sauce labs article provides a comprehensive guide on writing automates tests using Selenium, a popular tool for web application testing, and Java, one of the most used programming languages. It covers the basics of setting up Selenium with Java, crafting test scripts, running tests, and interpreting the results. The article emphasizes the importance of Selenium for its ability to simulate user interactions with web elements, which is crucial for verifying the functional integrity and performance of web applications. It also touches on integrating these tests into a CI/CD pipeline, demonstrating how automated testing fits into broader software development practices.

Reason for selection:

I selected this article because it offered a practical introduction to an essential skill in software development. As our course covers various testing frameworks and tools, understanding how to implement and utilize these tools in real-world scenarios is crucial. The articles focus on Selenium with Java is particularly relevant, as many of us are familiar with Java and may soon need to apply these skills in internships or jobs.

Personal Reflection.

The article made me appreciate the power and necessity of automates testing in modern web development. It was enlightening to see how Selenium scripts could mimic actual behavior, such as clicking buttons or entering data, which is critical for testing user interfaces. Reflecting on this, I see the immense value in learning automates testing not only to boost my future job prospects but also to ensure that I can contribute to creating robust, user-friendly software.

Application in future practice:

Armed with the knowledge from this article, I am eager to apply these testing techniques in my upcoming projects. Whether it’s for class assignments or eventually in a professional setting, understanding how to set up, write, and deploy automates tests using Selenium and java will significantly enhance the quality of the software I develop and maintain.

Conclusion:

Automated testing is a key component of software quality assurance. The insights provided by the Sauce Labs article on using Selenium and Java for testing offer both foundational knowledge and practical steps for anyone looking to enhance their testing skills. As software becomes increasingly more complex, the ability to efficiently test and validate software functionality becomes even more critical, making these skills invaluable for any aspiring software developer.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Josies Notes by josielrivas and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Week 15

Last week my group and I were discussing behavior-driven development. It is a type of development that refines our previously learned developments. This is a great jumping point to what we were previously learning and it will make for a great assignment. I would like to give more information on this subject matter because it is valuable. This is another practice that is used in the field that can be used in the future.

Behavior Driven Development (BDD) is an agile testing practice that prioritizes creating automated tests first before specifying system behavior. BDD is utilized in a group setting where both agile teams and business participants can see eye to eye. BDD are tests used to capture a story, feature, or capability from a user’s perspective. During this development, there should be three different heads of mentality to considered. Customer minds usually stakeholders understand the business needs and their desire for new requirements. Developers understand what needs to be done to accomplish their responsibilities and technological feasibility. Test-centric minds should consider any exceptions, new edges, and boundary conditions. There are three phases during BDD discovery, formulation, and automation. The product owner or product manager creates criteria that must be used to write a good story. Then, the discovery process where the team finds any additional information that could enhance the criteria. There is an automation phase that automates the acceptance test. This test shares a lot of similarities with Acceptance Test–Driven Development (ATDD) and Specification by Example (SBE). 

This new development strategy was very useful to learn. It’s good to understand different types of development plans and how you can combine them to make a stronger development cycle. During the agile team cycle, I feel like every cycle you can change what type of software development you use for that cycle. Based on the project, resources, and time you can choose different software developments. Learning about BDD gave me an insight into the business side of the development process. These are things you may not think about when creating your software but should be a priority. You would expect your software project to be examined by someone who is informed in the field but to try to explain to someone that is funding it would be a hassle but necessary. It makes sense that people who aren’t on the team would have to understand the development. It’s a group effort between multiple teams that all must work in unison to create a working product.  

Advanced Topic – Behavior-Driven Development

https://scaledagileframework.com/behavior-driven-development/

From the blog CS@Worcester – DCO by dcastillo360 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Week 14

Considering this week we only had one day of class it’s good to reinforce the ideas we learned to spread out in separate classes. I was in a search this week for an article that went into depth about software technical reviews. Software technical reviews are very important; understanding the fundamentals is a key component in the field. 

The main function of a software technical review is to examine a document either in a group or alone and find errors or any defects inside the code. This is done to verify various documents to find if they reach specifications, system design, test plans, and test cases. An important thing to consider is this is a step to make sure the client gets clarity of the project and stays informed on how it’s going. In addition, finalize any changes to reach the requirements before being released to the market. This allows for improved productivity, makes the testing process cost-effective, fewer defects to be found outside the team, and reduces the time it will take to create a technically sound document. The main three types of software reviews include software peer review, software management review, and software audit reviews. The process of software review is simple if you are informed of the implementations taking place. First is the entry evaluation which is just a standard checklist to know the basis for the review. Without a checklist, you will be pulling on strings to find what is wrong with the code or what it’s missing. Then comes Management preparation ensures that your review will have all the required resources like staff, time, and materials. Next is review planning where you create an objective that comes from the team. You then move on to preparation where the reviewers are held responsible for doing their specific task. Lastly, examination and exit evaluation where the group meets up and is discussed to make the team on the same page and verify any discoveries.

Reading this article allowed me to see other steps that are taken to do a software technical review. If we as a team were able to create an objective of what to search for inside the code last week it would have been more goal-oriented instead of randomly searching for faults in the code. As a team, it would have been great to have a more organized group so then when we come together we have an understanding of what we should all find. I would like to see how it would work trying to explain to someone who doesn’t code what has been done and show them that their money is being placed in the right place. Other than that this is a great way to reduce time and be in unison with your team.   

https://medium.com/@vyashj09/software-technical-reviews-in-software-testing-what-is-software-technical-review-321462039f4f#:~:text=A%20software%20technical%20review%20is,an%20object%20in%20the%20software.

View at Medium.com

From the blog cs-wsu – DCO by dcastillo360 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

“Draw Your Own Map” Individual Apprenticeship Pattern

This week, I decided to focus on the “Draw Your Own Map” Individual Apprenticeship Pattern for CS448-Software Capstone. This is my final required apprenticeship pattern analysis post, and I chose this pattern because it feels applicable to me as I am about to graduate and enter the working environment, mapping out my intended career path from its starting point. 

The “Draw Your Own Map” individual apprenticeship pattern emphasizes the importance of taking control of one’s career development and learning journey. It encourages individuals to proactively chart their own course rather than relying solely on predefined paths or external guidance.

At its core, this pattern advocates for self-directed learning. It urges individuals to actively seek out opportunities to acquire new skills, knowledge, and experiences that align with their career aspirations. Setting personal goals is essential in this process, providing a roadmap for growth and development.

Identifying various learning opportunities, both formal and informal, is crucial for professional advancement. This could include attending workshops, pursuing certifications, participating in projects, or seeking mentorship. Adaptability and flexibility are also key, as career paths may require adaptation and adjustment over time.

Regular reflection on progress is encouraged to refine goals and adjust course as needed. By reflecting on past experiences and learning outcomes, individuals can iterate and improve their development strategies. Additionally, building a personal brand and reputation within the industry is essential for showcasing skills, expertise, and achievements.

In essence, the “Draw Your Own Map” pattern empowers individuals to navigate their professional journey with autonomy, self-reflection, and continuous learning. By embracing ownership of their career trajectories, individuals can pursue their long-term goals with purpose and resilience.

With such a competitive entry-level environment, it is possible that I may find myself (or at a later point in my career) choosing to take a position that may not fully align with my interests and career goals. Additionally, with all of the ongoing changes in the tech industry and world as a whole, what may have been a traditional and common career path is impractical today. So, it’s crucial that I can draw my own map to success and redraw it as necessary throughout my career. By following the strategies outlined in this apprenticeship pattern, it seems a lot more realistic to be able to take a starting position that may be less-than-ideal while still progressing toward my intended goal.

Sources: Hoover, Dave, and Adewale Oshineye. “Apprenticeship Patterns: Guidance for the Aspiring Software Craftsman.” O’Reilly Media, 2009.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Tech. Worth Talking About by jelbirt and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

CS448 – Sprint 2 Retrospective

Our second of three sprints for CS448 – Software Development Capstone concluded and was reviewed last Tuesday (4/7/2024). My team worked very well together this sprint and we helped each other as we stayed flexible and adaptable as changes were rolled out that affected our repo and issues. Additionally, most of our issues focused on FrontEnd tasks including the design, development,  and integration of a user interface for the CheckoutGuestFrontend repo. UI design and particularly implementing Vue.js framework was mostly unfamiliar for our group, so we learned a lot from what we accomplished this sprint.

While we didn’t quite finish all of our initially planned tasks, we did successfully reorganize issues into smaller/more manageable and defined issues mid-sprint and we completed all of our issues up to testing the front-end we built:

“Get in touch with Team: 01-2 and discuss Frontend Tests and their findings” – When we took on the task of developing the CheckoutGuestFrontend repo, we found Team 2 had already taken on some responsibilities and begun researching front-end testing. So our first order of business was holding a meeting with them to decide on a starting point for our group. Our notes from the meeting are recorded here.

https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/guestinfosystem/guestinfofrontend/-/issues/92

“Review GUI Mockup” – For this task, we all met as a group to go over a basic on-paper mockup of what we envisioned and had in mind for the CheckoutGuestFrontend GUI and break down the task of coding the GUI into smaller, more manageable and well-defined issues. In the issue, we document our hand-written mock-up as well as our meeting notes and the smaller issues we refactored to. The “Consider Interaction Boundaries” and “Modify/Improve GUI Framework” issues were encompassed in the preparation and execution of this Review task.

https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/inventorysystem/checkoutguestfrontend/-/issues/45

https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/inventorysystem/checkoutguestfrontend/-/issues/44

https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/inventorysystem/checkoutguestfrontend/-/issues/42

Main issue:

“Coding UI to place components on the screen where we want them (“layout”)” – This task encompasses the overall processes of creating the Vue.js, integration, and other resource files and code to actually implement our mock-up. This was our first time working with Vue.js, and we are also less experienced with JavaScript as compared to other languages like Java and Python, so we hit some setbacks and delays as we explored and learned more about using these. There were also some minor steps involving communication protocols that were learning experiences.

Another obstacle we traversed involving this issue is the rollout of the new frontend model by Dr. Wurst. When we first tackled this problem, it was not yet released so we struggled to get a working baseline/framework to edit and build off of.

https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/inventorysystem/checkoutguestfrontend/-/issues/43

“General – Verifying that all Thea’s Pantry projects have the correct extensions, linters, and pipeline stages” – This was a task from last sprint which we did not quite complete. This sprint we finished it up by verifying the necessary components. Once the working model was rolled out, we managed to build ours out to a stable state with an attractive UI by holding several full-team code reviews. https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/gitlab-profile/-/issues/12 

In review, our second sprint for CS448 – Software Development Capstone was driven by patience, teamwork and adaptability. Despite encountering challenges, particularly in navigating unfamiliar territory with UI design and Vue.js implementation, we emerged stronger and more knowledgeable. While we didn’t fully complete all initially planned tasks, our ability to reorganize issues mid-sprint into smaller, more manageable ones allowed us to focus on essential aspects. Key achievements included productive collaborations with Team 01-2 on frontend testing, thorough review and refinement of GUI mockups, and overcoming hurdles in coding the UI with Vue.js. We also successfully addressed pending tasks from the previous sprint, ensuring all projects within Thea’s Pantry ecosystem met required standards.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Tech. Worth Talking About by jelbirt and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Week 13

The next classes will be about Software technical review it would be great to get a step ahead by delving into the concept. We only started with the review section of the code but fully understood it before the class could skip the barriers of never implementing this idea. Whenever doing something new there is always a barrier which can be difficult at first but with practical knowledge, it can be implemented with a greater effect.  

This article first talks about why there is a technical review. There are technical reviews for the company’s higher-ups who may not be fully aware of the coding process and the difficulties that come with it. They have to understand the developer’s importance to the business because they are spending a lot of money with ineffective results. Many times deliveries aren’t are time and come in fault states having several bugs. This is where a technical review comes in handy it’s a deep dive that provides a suitable perspective. Their definition of a technical review is a deep dive assessment of your software that provides findings and recommendations that be later adapted or discussed amongst your team. Common finds inside a technical review include slow or late deliveries which are just not meeting the due date, random or persistent bugs an example would be fixing the same thing over and over again, and sleepless nights because of worrying too much. These aren’t the end be it all every technical review is different and should be focussed on your team’s goals. The main discussion should be of pain points the things that keep you up at night to make the software complete. Process and team review is another key ingredient that makes sure everyone is working on the right task or if there are changes that need to be made plus an idea to every team member’s contribution to the project. The last thing the team should do is an effective summary that can be graded with a brief description. Detailed findings and recommendations that can be read by people not in depth with coding so they can get an idea of what is being done behind the scenes and can tell the team what needs to change.

Reading this article gave me an idea as to why we do technical reviews because when doing mine I was stuck trying to figure out problems in the code. I didn’t want to nitpick and find small issues that would seem redundant because at times it is better to keep it clean and simple. But understanding that this needs to be done to prove to people on the other side of the business that work is being done is a great insight. It makes a lot of sense that other people in a company would want to know what is happening on other sides of the department.

Technical Review: A Trusted Look Under the Hood

From the blog CS@Worcester – DCO by dcastillo360 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Nurture Your Passion Individual Apprenticeship Pattern

This week, I chose to focus on the Nurture Your Passion individual apprenticeship pattern as I found it applicable to myself as I am looking for post-grad jobs and in one respect must find a job to support myself financially but also look to further myself as a software craftsmen and in my career in general. This pattern underscores the significance of fostering and sustaining enthusiasm for software development. It acknowledges the vastness and perpetual evolution of software engineering, urging developers to actively delve into their interests within the field.

To effectively nurture one’s passion, the pattern recommends the following strategies:

Explore Diverse Areas: Dedicate time to investigating various facets of software development, including web development, mobile app development, artificial intelligence, and game development. Experiment with different technologies, languages, and frameworks to discover personal resonances.

Engage in Personal Projects: Undertake personal projects aligned with individual interests and aspirations. Whether it involves crafting a mobile app, contributing to open-source software, or developing a game, personal projects offer valuable opportunities for skill application, learning, and portfolio enhancement.

Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Surround oneself with mentors, colleagues, and communities sharing similar passions, capable of providing guidance, support, and constructive feedback. Participation in forums, attendance at meetups and conferences, and networking within the software development community fosters idea exchange and shared experiences.

Continuous Learning: Embrace lifelong learning and professional development. Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, tools, and technologies through literature, online courses, workshops, and conferences. Continuously challenge oneself to refine and broaden skill sets.

Balance and Well-being: Strive for equilibrium between passion pursuit and well-being. Guard against burnout by establishing achievable goals, managing time effectively, and prioritizing self-care practices, such as physical activity, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.

By nurturing a passion for software development, individuals can discover heightened fulfillment, creativity, and satisfaction in their work, ultimately leading to a more gratifying and successful career. I found this apprenticeship pattern to be particularly helpful and relatable as it also complements the Breakable Toys strategy which I covered in a previous post. Even if craftsmen find themselves in a position or situation where they struggle to pursue projects their passionate about, they should devote time to creating a breakable toy to enjoy and continue to learn and grow with.

Sources: Hoover, Dave, and Adewale Oshineye. “Apprenticeship Patterns: Guidance for the Aspiring Software Craftsman.” O’Reilly Media, 2009.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Tech. Worth Talking About by jelbirt and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Code Reviews for Quality Assurance

As we continue in CS443 – Software Quality Assurance and Testing, we’ve delved into the test strategy/skill of group code reviews for debugging. So, this week I chose to search for a blog about effective code reviews with a focus on good practices to extract the most value from participating in them and found a valuable article posted on Vates.com. This article is from August 2023, so it is modestly recent and applicable to our current learning materials and discusses best practices and habits.

Code review is a pivotal practice in software development, offering more than just bug detection. It serves as a collaborative process where developers meticulously inspect code changes before integration into the main codebase. By doing so, it not only identifies defects but also enhances code quality, ensures alignment with project requirements, and upholds coding standards. The process fosters collaboration among team members, facilitates knowledge sharing, and integrates multiple perspectives, ultimately leading to the creation of reliable, maintainable, and efficient software.

To maximize the benefits of code review, it’s essential to implement effective strategies. This begins with establishing clear objectives tailored to the project’s goals. By defining specific focuses, such as code quality improvements, security enhancements, or performance optimizations, teams can streamline the review process and prioritize areas of concern.

Moreover, involving the right team members is crucial. Senior developers, subject matter experts, and team leads contribute diverse viewpoints, enriching the review process and leading to better outcomes. Adhering to a comprehensive code style guide ensures consistency in coding practices, which is vital for long-term maintainability. Utilizing code review tools further enhances efficiency by automating checks, highlighting changes, and facilitating collaborative discussions.

Promoting a culture of constructive feedback is equally important. Emphasizing that reviews aim to enhance overall code quality rather than criticize individuals encourages open communication and continuous improvement. Balancing review speed with depth ensures timely feedback without compromising quality, fostering agility while maintaining code integrity.

Lastly, following up on review feedback is essential for iterative improvement. Addressing comments promptly, clarifying questions, and implementing necessary changes contribute to a learning culture within the team, leading to continuous enhancement of development practices.

Vates is a leading provider of IT and software services and the host of this blog. They provide tools and resources to enable teams to unlock the full potential of code review, IoT consulting, and software testing services. This collaboration empowers organizations to elevate their software development practices, delivering exceptional value to stakeholders through collaborative development and effective code review implementation.

Source:

https://www.vates.com/the-art-of-code-review-effective-strategies-for-collaborative-development

From the blog CS@Worcester – Tech. Worth Talking About by jelbirt and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Week 11

Deciding on a topic this week I decided to delve into Test Driven Development (TDD). I found an article with an engaging title “Test-Driven Development (TDD): A Time-Tested Recipe for Quality Software” by Ferdinando Santacroce. This would be very useful for me and the whole class because it’s fresh in our minds and we will continue to work with this concept. Getting a firmer grasp on this topic will help me with future assignments and homework. It’s always great to get an insider view with experience inside the field connecting it to what we learn in class.

This article begins with the history of TDD giving credit to Kent Beck one of the first “extreme programmers”. At the time nobody had ever reversed the idea of testing starting with a test instead of the actual code. The purpose of writing a test before the code would help programmers put them in the perspective of the maker making it easier to create the software. This would make more tunnel-focused code with much more simplicity because of just focusing on the test. Plus the codes get rapid feedback because all the tests have been made. TDD has the fastest feedback loop only surpassed by pair programing. Currently, TDD is widespread inside the field and several teams utilize it day to day. It’s hard to adapt to this type of coding scheme but with time it is proven to be a key to success. Minor grievances may also come up because this type of process can be too rigid or the lack of tools.  

After reading this article getting a glimpse into the history of how this came to be. It didn’t specifically specify when it started but I assume it was around the 90s because it mentions how common it is now. Understanding the benefits of doing this test answers my question why would you decide to do your coding process in reverse? What we have been learning is that it will be conventional to have code and then write the test connected to the already processed code. The benefits of cutting down time because of the faster feedback times and leading to less complicated code, I now understand its purpose. That is a recurring theme with code the simpler the better because you are never working alone. Maybe it is a self-contained project but your future self may not understand your complex code and updates to the code should be easy to do not a headache. 

https://semaphoreci.com/blog/test-driven-development

From the blog cs-wsu – DCO by dcastillo360 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.