What (almost) Everyone Gets Wrong About #TDD & #BDD

https://antonymarcano.substack.com/p/what-almost-everyone-gets-wrong-about-c05?triedRedirect=true

The box of boxes is here! If you're going to be at DDD Europe, SoCraTes UK, or in Munich and want to save on shipping, contact me NOW before they're all claimed!

If you're in North America, I'm ready to ship it to you: https://tdd.cards

#TDD #BoardGame

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Shipping box with 8 newly manufactured copies of "JitterTed's TDD Game"! The hex tiles are separately packaged as it's my job to punch them out and assemble everything.

Munich folks:

I have a free day in Munich June 29, I can give a talk at your company, meetup, or user group, or we can play a game about #TDD.

I'd love to share my experience with Event Sourcing and Java, or facilitate a session playing JitterTed's TDD Game.

Let me know!

"Don't put loops in your tests" the advice goes. While there are times when a small for loop might be useful, for gosh sakes, don't use a do..while loop.

And please don't ask me what triggered this post.

p.s. Your for loop might also be hiding a deficiency in your test, aka a Test Smell. Might be fine, but worth a little more attention.

#Testing #TDD

🧪 TDD + ViewInspector: Writing Your First Failing SwiftUI Test https://qualitycoding.org/swiftui-tdd-first-failing-test-part-1/ #TDD

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SwiftUI TDD (Part 1): Writing Your First Failing Test

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 27, is the last day to secure your spot at the 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲-𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 for my workshop 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. Join us on 𝐌𝐚𝐲 21-22, 2026 at 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐩 .

Don’t miss this final chance to invest in your skills at a reduced price.

🔗 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰.

For more information: https://principal-it.eu/training/well-balanced-test-driven-development.html

#tdd #testdrivendevelopment #unittests #unittesting #softwaredesign

Hello! #introduction

I just migrated from https://hachyderm.io/@mattwynne which was 👍🏻, but I have been meaning to move over here for some time because I love the initiative to democratically run our social media!

I'm from the UK originally, now based in Nelson, BC.

I'm a generalist/polyglot programmer. I lead the https://github.com/cucumber #opensource project and I'm known for coaching teams in technical practices like #TDD/#BDD and #EnsembleProgramming.

Also #SkiTouring and generally #MountainLiving

Struggling with brittle tests that slow you down? Join my 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭workshop on 𝐌𝐚𝐲 21-22, 2026 in Antwerp! Learn how to write reliable, maintainable tests that help you think about software design and prevent defects. Early -bird tickets are available until 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 19.

For more information: https://principal-it.eu/training/well-balanced-test-driven-development.html

#tdd #unittests #softwaredesign #softwarecrafting #xp

In Test-Driven Development (#TDD), a RED test is only part of the story. Just because a test fails, doesn't mean that you're ready to write code to make it GREEN. Before you write that code, check that the test fails as it is SUPPOSED to fail.

Another stream, another set of notes. So much "new"!

I try out a new design for Projectors, splitting EventConsumer into two pieces. Test-driving shows how it's about design exploration, not just writing tests.

https://ted.dev/articles/2026/04/06/live-coding-journal-apr-6-2026/

#Java #EventSourcing #TDD

“I’m writing unit tests because I have to. They just confirm that my code works, which I already know. They are tedious to write, and often stop working when I change the implementation of the system. Maintaining unit tests is often difficult and takes a lot of time out of my day.”

Does this sound familiar? Then you might be interested in my workshop, 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, on 21 𝐚𝐧𝐝 22 𝐌𝐚𝐲 2025 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐩.

#tdd #unittests #softwaredesign #softwarecrafting

This two-day, hands-on workshop blends theory with practice in a real-world codebase. Yotdd #unittests #softwaredesign #softwarecrafting #xp to master the art of writing loosely coupled and highly maintainable automated developer tests.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 19 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲-𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭! Spots are limited, so visit my website (https://principal-it.eu/training/well-balanced-test-driven-development.html) to learn more and secure your spot.

#tdd #unittests #softwaredesign #softwarecrafting

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

Back to streaming, with notes from yesterday's stream: https://ted.dev/articles/2026/03/23/live-coding-journal-mar-23-2026/

I chatted about consistency boundaries, missing-event heuristics, and encoding (serializing) events.

#EventSourcing #Java #TDD

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

Finding a failing test 🚨, coming back from the ☕️ break, feels just so ✅ .

- I know where I left off
- I know what to continue with
- I get back into the flow within seconds
- no need to search and analyze the git history
- it 💡 enlightens me and lets me continue where i left off

also when doing hashtag#PHP 😎

#unittest #testing #tdd #engineering #workflow #productive

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black font on red bg saying "failed"

The pivotal session that is helping me see a path forward for AI-augmented test-driven development.

(Video is a bit rough 'n' ready, but packed with insights...er, once we got going...)

#AIdevelopment #LLMs #agentic #TDD #softwaredevelopment

https://youtu.be/Oz3KS9-Yohg

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

In fact, tooling hasn’t ever made much of an impact in these areas at all, especially compared to disciplined practice on the part of collaborative knowledge workers. That’s why we’ve invented #UCD, #agile, #TDD... all of these are habits of complexity-tending, and they’re what disposes systems toward producing value, if anything does. 6/7 #AI #software

RE: https://discuss.systems/@SoCraTes_UK/116165956780268806

really excited to be going to this…

#tdd #Refactoring

Lisi Hocke boosted

SoCraTes UK » 🌐 2026-03-03
@SoCraTes_UK@discuss.systems

Have you heard of the SoCraTes events? These are software crafting unconferences / open spaces that happen across the world, in beautiful surroundings and with lovely people. So if you’re making plans for 2026 yet, now’s the time to brighten up your February and give yourself something to look forward to...

...because tickets are on sale for SoCraTes UK 2026! https://socratesuk.org/tickets.html

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

UK #dotnet #csharp #sqlserver lead/senior developer with over 15 years’ experience looking for new permanent role if possible. Would consider temporary contract.

#AspDotNet #mvc #blazor #entityframework #azure #tdd #agile #Git

Looking for hybrid role in London, Cambridge, Essex, or Hertfordshire. Also interested in fully-remote UK or European roles.

#FediHire #getfedihired

Developers often see TDD primarily as a testing technique, missing its potential to guide design. @davefarley77 talk showed how shifting focus allows TDD to actively shape software architecture and foster better code structure. It's about using TDD to drive design, not just validate it.

Watch or listen: https://virtualddd.com/sessions/tdd-as-a-design-tool-with-dave-farley/

#TDD #SoftwareDesign #DevPractices

Does anyone in the UK actually use TDD (that's Test Driven Development, for the uninitiated)?

I see it mentioned on a lot of job adverts, but when you talk to the people there, it's all a bit "Well, we like our employees to have that skill, but we don't actually want them to use it". Obviously! That would be crazy...

I find TDD to be incredibly effective, not just in testing the code, but in guiding the design and development of the solution towards higher quality results.

I actually learnt TDD from a manager while employed, but that was in New Zealand. Ever since I've been working back in the UK, my managers seem to think testing in general is a waste of time and money.

#tdd #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

We organise in the open, and you're very welcome to chat with the organisers to help, ask questions, give feedback, or simply to watch. You can reach us on the #ev_socratesuk slack channel (https://slack.softwarecrafters.org/), or on mastodon, LinkedIn, BlueSky, or by emailing organisers at socratesuk dot org.

#SoftwareCraft
#Unconference
#OpenSpace
#TDD
#Refactoring

On Monday's live coding #Java stream, I finished the UI for "Reschedule Concert". I cheated a bit and reused some existing screens, but hey, this is an example/learning app (despite its ever-increasing scope!).

I also compare my "Olive" #TDD Tests with Kent Beck's Test List.

A while ago, I was asked whether one should use Inside-Out TDD or Outside-In TDD. At first glance, it might seem important to choose one approach over the other. However, this isn’t the case at all. Inside-Out and Outside-In TDD are not mutually exclusive. There’s no need to rigidly commit to just one. Instead, we should practice and master both approaches to develop an intuitive sense, a *gut instinct*, for when to apply a certain approach. (1/2)

#tdd #unittests #testing #softwaredesign

Tempted to get a couple of new cards printed to put into my #TDD Game (https://tdd.cards):

"LLM Wrote Too Much Code" and "LLM Wrote Your Tests"

These would both be "negative" cards in the game. The way to "resolve" those cards would be a "Refactoring" card, or a "Revert".

Leanpub Book LAUNCH 🚀 The Other Half of Coding: What they Didn't Teach You by Max Guernsey, III

This is our second launch video for this now-completed book!

Watch here:

https://youtu.be/4W1KGptucBg

#books #leanpublishing #selfpublishing #booklaunch #programming #TDD #BDD #coding #softwareengineering #refactoring

Leanpub book LAUNCH 🚀 The Other Half of Coding: What they Didn't Teach You by Max Guernsey, III

Watch here: https://youtu.be/lDwuiSwaCf4

#books #leanpublishing #selfpublishing #booklaunch #management #coding #programming #OOP #TDD #softwareengineering #refactoring

In fact, I got so into the flow writing the notes that I missed my normal dinner time!

You can catch up on the notes (#EventSourcing, #Java, #TDD) so far:

https://ted.dev/articles/2026/02/04/live-coding-journal-feb-4-2026/
https://ted.dev/articles/2026/02/05/live-coding-journal-feb-5-2026/

And catch me live (Mon-Thu, 8pm UTC) at https://jitterted.stream/

I’m happy to announce my workshop, ‘𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭’ on 21 𝐚𝐧𝐝 22 𝐌𝐚𝐲 2025 at 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐩. This two-day, hands-on workshop blends theory with practice in a real-world codebase. You'll be collaborating together with fellow attendees to master the art of writing loosely coupled and highly maintainable automated developer tests.

(1/2)

#tdd #unittests #softwaredesign #softwarecrafting

It's here! I hold in my hand @RobMyers's new book "Essential Test-Driven Development"!

A long time coming, but thrilled for Rob that it's finally out into the world!

#TDD

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Picture of Ted holding a paperback copy of Rob Myers' book titled "Essential Test-Driven Development".

RE: https://mastodon.social/@RobMyers/115980182722512158

My physical copy arrives tomorrow! At some point I hope to get your autograph on it. 😊

#TDD

Jon Reid boosted

Rob Myers 🍵 » 🌐 2026-01-29
@RobMyers@mastodon.social

Essential Test-Driven Development is now available in print on this site:

https://www.informit.com/store/essential-test-driven-development-9780134494159

The eBook should be available there soon. The print edition will also be available from other retailers (Amazon, etc.) in a couple weeks.

If you like the book, please give it a positive review on Amazon (regardless of where you purchase it...The Algorithm, y'know! 😉).

RE: https://mastodon.social/@bosslogic/115984174298880765

“#TDD and #BDD aren’t really about testing at all. They’re about feedback loops and thinking clearly about intent before implementation.”

Intent first!