Abstract: When first starting out with automated acceptance tests, people are often happy just to get them to run correctly. Soon, however, they start finding they have to rewrite their old scenarios when new features are added. Or they disable some scenarios "for now" so they can continue to make progress. Newcomers need explanations to understand the tests. So do the business analysts. It even takes you awhile to figure out some of the older tests. Then, one day, the VP stops by, asking about them...
The crucial aspect of test automation is creating clear and expressive descriptions of the system being built. It’s easy to write tests that a computer can understand. But can you write tests that people, even non-technical people, can understand? Will it be obvious whether or not the test is correct? This is not a matter of dumbing things down.
Highlight the concepts. Express just the right details. There is a synergy between the expressiveness of tests and the maintainability. Achieving clarity in natural language is essential for their long-term viability. Come get some hints on expressing your tests clearly and succinctly.
Learning Outcomes: - Notice the effect of word choice
- Select words for clarity and descriptiveness
- Describing the assumed context
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