Concepts
Test-First approach, often known as Test-Driven Development (TDD), is a popular technique in Agile and Scrum practices, and it is particularly emphasized when studying for the Advanced Certified Scrum Developer (A-CSD) exam. The concept behind this is that tests are written before the actual code; enhancing the design, functionality and overall quality of the product. When it comes to a collaborative business environment, the approach becomes even more crucial due to multiple factors. Let’s identify and discuss three core attributes of this approach in a business context.
1. Improved communication and understanding
By writing the tests first in a collaborative environment, everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved. This is because the test cases outline the business requirements and their desired outcomes in an unambiguous matter. Here, the tests act as the common ground for developers, business analysts, testers, and other stakeholders to understand and discuss what needs to be done.
For instance, when developing a new feature of an ecommerce website, the test cases might include scenarios like “User should be able to add product to the shopping cart” or “Shopping cart should update when a new product is added.” These TDD test cases succinctly communicate the expected behavior and functionality of the feature – a communicative benefit that extends to all stakeholders.
2. Early Feedback
The Test-First approach provides the developers an immediate feedback on whether the developing feature or function is on right track. The developers run the tests after coding a part of functionality, if the test fails, they know immediately that what they’ve programmed is not delivering as expected and should be fixed or improved before moving forward.
To illustrate, consider a customer management system under development. After writing a test for a functionality, say “System should allow administrators to disable customer profiles,” the developers code the function and run the test. If the test passes, they move forward, if it fails, they make necessary amendments in the code. This enables a faster feedback loop, saving time, resources and potential future conflicts in the project.
3. Aids in refactoring and maintaining software quality
Among the key attributes of this approach is facilitating refactoring – the process of changing or cleaning up redundant code without affecting the behavior of the software. This ensures that the system remains clean, efficient, and easy to understand.
For example, a developer notices a duplicated code across multiple functions. With a suite of comprehensive tests developed in a TDD approach, the developer can confidently refactor the code to remove duplications. If the tests pass, they knew their refactoring hasn’t broken any functionality.
Summary of Attributes
| Attribute | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Improved communication and understanding | Tests act as a common language for all stakeholders. | Ecommerce website feature tests. |
| Early Feedback | Immediate understanding of whether recently developed function works as expected. | Customer management system function tests. |
| Aids in Refactoring | Allows safe clean-up and optimization of code. | Refactoring duplicated code in multiple functions. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, a test-first business facing collaborative approach is a powerful practice that not only enhances the programming and product quality, but also improves communication and reduces risks during development process, core principles that are crucial for a candidate preparing for the A-CSD exam.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: A test first business facing collaborative approach means that the team starts with writing the tests before developing software.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The approach mentioned emphasizes on defining the expected outcome or passing criteria first before starting to build the software. This is usually achieved by writing tests.
Which of these is NOT an attribute of a test first business facing collaborative approach?
- A. Communicative
- B. Repeatable
- C. Isolated
- D. Rigid
Answer: D. Rigid
Explanation: A test first business facing collaborative approach is communicative, repeatable, and isolated, but not rigid. It encourages developers and business stakeholders to work together and is adaptable to changes as per the needs of the project.
True or False: A test first business facing collaborative approach does not support collaboration between developers and stakeholders.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A test first business facing collaborative approach explicitly supports and encourages collaboration between all the parties involved in the project, including developers and stakeholders.
Under a test first business facing collaborative approach, when are acceptance tests written?
- A. After coding has begun
- B. Before coding begins
- C. During product release
- D. None of the above
Answer: B. Before coding begins
Explanation: In test first business facing collaborative approach, acceptance tests are written before the code is developed to drive the development process and also to ensure the product developed meets business need.
Multiple Select: What are the focuses of a test first business facing collaborative approach?
- A. Documentation
- B. Repeatability
- C. Collaboration
- D. Flexibility
Answer: B. Repeatability, C. Collaboration,D. Flexibility
Explanation: Test first business facing collaborative approach emphasizes on repeatability, collaboration, and flexibility. Documentation is also important but it’s not the main focus, the main focus is on creating working software.
True or False: A test first business facing collaborative approach discourages direct communication between developers and business stakeholders.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: This approach encourages direct communication between developers and business stakeholders to ensure that the product developed meets business needs and expectations.
Which of these is considered an attribute of a test first business facing collaborative approach?
- A. Reactive
- B. Decoupled
- C. Predictive
- D. None of the Above
Answer: B. Decoupled
Explanation: In a test first business facing collaborative approach, tests act as decoupled entities, clearly defining what is required, which makes task completion more manageable.
True or False: In a test first business facing collaborative approach, tests help in guiding software development.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Tests guide the development of the software in a test first business facing collaborative approach. They serve as the definition of what the application should do, driving the coding process.
In a test first business facing collaborative approach, who is primarily responsible for writing the tests?
- A. The developers
- B. The project manager
- C. The business stakeholders
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: A test first business facing collaborative approach encourages collaboration. Thus, everyone from developers to project managers and business stakeholders may be involved in writing tests.
True or False: A test first business facing collaborative approach creates a barrier between developers and business stakeholders, making it less than ideal for Agile methodologies.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A test first business facing collaborative approach encourages collaboration and communication between developers and stakeholders, which is an essential aspect of Agile methodologies.
Multiple Select: Which of the below are benefits of a test first business facing collaborative approach?
- A. Improves requirement understanding
- B. Facilitates better design
- C. Delays coding process
- D. Reduces the chance of bugs
Answer: A. Improves requirement understanding, B. Facilitates better design, D. Reduces the chance of bugs
Explanation: A test first business facing collaborative approach improves requirement understanding, facilitates better design, and reduces the chance of bugs by catching them early. It does not delay the coding process, but rather guides it.
True or False: A test first business facing collaborative approach supports Agile principles and practices.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Principles such as collaboration, customer satisfaction and iterative development that are central to Agile are all supported by a test first business facing collaborative approach, making it an excellent fit for Agile methodologies.
One key attribute of a test-first business-facing collaborative approach is the focus on clear communication among all stakeholders.
Agreed. Another important attribute is the continuous feedback loop between developers and business stakeholders.
In my experience, ensuring the collaboration includes regular joint review sessions can significantly improve the outcome.
Thanks for the insights. This post is really helpful!
Great blog post! I learned a lot of new things.
Another attribute is the alignment of development goals with business objectives. This ensures that what is being developed adds value to the business.
One point might be missed is the early identification of defects by having a test-first approach.
Collaboration is key but business-facing tests help build the right product.