Ensuring our code is in good shape during releases is super important in Agile projects. Some important aspects need to be performed to handle the tech debt and keep our test code quality on point. It’s all about making things run smoothly and keeping our code in check.
The three aspects of improved test code quality
So, like I said, there are some key things teams gotta stick to if they want to keep their test code in good shape. I’m talking about three main methods here: refactorings, static analysis, and code reviews.
Consider refactoring like giving your code a little makeover. You’re not changing how the code works or how it’s executed, you’re just reorganizing and restructuring code and files with the purpose of improving readability and flexibility.
Static analysis is like a digital detective where it scans your code to find some hidden issues. Consider it like an extra pair of eyes looking into the code and trying to find errors.
Code reviews are another way to improve the test code quality by having your colleagues review your code with the sole purpose of finding potential issues or maybe suggesting changing the flow of how the code is written.
Refactoring
A way to clean up code in an efficient manner by simplifying the design, the test case flow, and structure without affecting the behavior. When it comes to Agile projects, testers are testing often, every iteration, e.g Agile Testing. Iterations are short cycles where teams deliver value and as a result, receive fast feedback. Since delivering value as often as possible is one of the goals of the Agile approach, testers have the challenge of covering new functionalities with tests as much as they can.
Not only that but also, new functionalities can affect the already existing ones, meaning the current set of tests need to be refactored in order to achieve consistency and improve test code quality. The usual process is as follows:
- Identify potential areas that need refactoring
- Analyze the impact of the changes in tests
- Do the refactor by making changes to the internal structure of the tests
- Re-run the tests to make sure they execute successfully and the behavior is not affected
- Review the changes and complete the process
Static Analysis
There are various static code analysis tools out there that you can use to analyze your code for potential errors. These kinds of tools are not executing the code. They inspect the code and fix and report issues. Many IDEs have built-in static analysis inspection tools that you can take advantage of. It is another way of making sure you are improving your test code quality.
Code Reviews
When you are working on automating new test cases, refactor the existing ones or even changing the documentation you create a something that its called a Pull Request. Its a process where you add your team as reviewers of your work before completing the process. This is the formal way of reviewing your code but there is also an informal one where you can sit down with your colleaguse and they review your coide or you can do this as a peer review. It doesnt matter how it happens as long as they contribute to the review process.
Conclusion
Keeping our code in good shape in Agile projects is a must. We’ve got three aspects to help us out: refactorings, static analysis, and code reviews. In essence, the journey to improved test code quality involves a combination of these three essential aspects, each playing a distinct role in ensuring the and reliability of our code. They’re not just defined steps, they’re your secret weapons for a codebase that’s robust, error-free, and executes smoothly. You just need to follow these methods, and you’re test code quality will be on point.
