Testing, TDD and Catch2

As the original author of the C++ test framework Catch, now Catch2 as well as the Swift test framework front-end, Swordfish, I have a long history with automated testing in C++ and other languages.

Since 2018 I have been offering coaching and training in TDD and good test practices. I have run a two day TDD course at conferences such as CppCon, NDC TechTown, ACCU and others, as well as onsite for teams at companies within various industries - including gaming, video streaming and audio. During the coronavirus pandemic I continued to offer these courses remotely and feel that this can still be a very effective approach.

I can also provide more customised training based on this material - tailored to your needs.

Topics covered (depending on time and preference) include:

• What is a test, and what different roles can it play?

• What is TDD?

  • The TDD Cycle
  • The art and craft of TDD
  • The psychology of TDD and maximising mental flow states

• Code coverage

  • 100% code coverage (and it’s not enough)
  • Beyond 100% code coverage

• TDD is a design tool, rather than a complete testing strategy

• Other forms of testing

  • Property Based Testing
  • Mutation and Fuzz Testing (high level)
  • Mocking and Faking (pros and cons)
  • Integration/ system/ acceptance testing
  • BDD

• Testing at the right level

  • Fast feedback cycles
  • Avoiding slow, flakey or brittle tests
  • Testing implementation details
    • Why you usually shouldn’t
    • When it might be OK, and how to do it properly

• Working with legacy code

  • Techniques and practices for getting (some) legacy code under test
  • Approval tests
  • Working with singletons

• Exercises

  • We'll do at least three (usually four) exercises

If you'd like to book something, or to find out more, please send me an email