Writing sustainable automated tests

5-10 Key Takeaways

• Writing tests is important for identifying and fixing bugs, improving code quality, and gaining confidence in code changes.
• Tests should be written to cover specific features, plugins, and functionality.
• Types of tests: unit tests (code-centric), kernel tests (interaction with dependencies), and functional tests (simulate user interactions).
• Test writing strategy: first, identify the code to be tested; then, write the test to fail; finally, refactor the code and update the test.
• Test speed is crucial; fast tests ensure quick feedback on code changes.
• Tests should be maintained alongside code refactoring to avoid inconsistencies.
• Cypress and Jest are testing tools gaining popularity for their ease of use and integration with modern web development.
• Automated testing helps developers focus on coding rather than manual debugging.
• Code readability and simplicity make testing easier and more effective.
• The 80/20 rule applies to testing: 20% of tests catch 80% of bugs; the remaining 20% of tests are less useful.
• Key considerations: test complexity, test speed, and code maintainability.
• Domain-driven design and surrounding concepts, such as functional programming, also impact test writing strategies.