Foul-Smelling Tests

Tests are the backbone of any robust software development process, but what happens when they themselves "smell bad"? There are many test smells: from cryptic names to redundant tests to dependencies that are difficult to understand. These typical anti-patterns in test code jeopardise the maintainability and meaningfulness of your tests.

We identify the most common test smells and demonstrate practical strategies for fixing and avoiding them. This enables us to write tests that not only work, but are also clear, precise and future-proof.

If you want to be sure that software works properly, you have to test it continuously. Tools such as PHPUnit are constantly being improved, as are best practices for their use.

It doesn't matter whether you already have many years of experience testing PHP software with PHPUnit or are just getting started in the world of testing, for example in our training courses Test Automation with PHPUnit or Advanced PHPUnit: When it comes to testing software, there is always something new to learn and old patterns to rethink.

In Tester's Corner, we concisely cover a topic related to automated software testing every month.

• Identifying and fixing anti-patterns in test code
• Improving the readability of test code
• Boost confidence in your test suite

Tester's Corner is aimed at all developers who test their software with PHPUnit. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user of PHPUnit, there is always something new to learn here.

Prerequisites are (at least initial) practical experience with PHPUnit and knowledge of object-oriented programming in PHP. The necessary basics are taught in the training courses Test Automation with PHPUnit and OOP Done Right.

• Understand PHPUnit, from the basics to advanced problem solving
• Gain comprehensive knowledge of lesser-known features and techniques
• Continuously optimise your test strategy to adapt it to new requirements.