What You Should Do

By Deborah Gage  |  Posted 2003-01-16 Email Print this article Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dishwashers, automobiles and other products are increasingly driven by software. But digits don't always do a better job. Where do you turn when your appliance's software goes south?

When Improving Software">
What You Should Do When Improving Software
What You Should Do When Improving Software
  • Plan ahead
    Think through your testing process.
    Test code's behavior under both expected and unexpected conditions.
  • Test early
    The earlier the better.
    Appeal to engineers who enjoy breaking things.
  • Test manually; Then, automatically
    Before code settles down, test manually.
    Later, have engineers use automated tests, before turning code in.
  • Don't test all code at once
    Clean up old code as each file gets run.
    Fifty percent to 80% of your files should never have to be touched.
    Source: ABN Amro Services Co.
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    Senior Writer
    debbie_gage@ziffdavisenterprise.com
    Based in Silicon Valley, Debbie was a founding member of Ziff Davis Media's Sm@rt Partner, where she developed investigative projects and wrote a column on start-ups. She has covered the high-tech industry since 1994 and has also worked for Minnesota Public Radio, covering state politics. She has written freelance op-ed pieces on public education for the San Jose Mercury News, and has also won several national awards for her work co-producing a documentary. She has a B.A. from Minnesota State University.

     
     
     
     
     
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