Task: Run Developer Tests
Run tests of the individual software components to verify that their internal structures work as specified.
Purpose
To verify that the implementation works as specified.
Relationships
RolesPrimary: Additional: Assisting:
InputsMandatory: Optional:
  • None
External:
  • None
Outputs
Steps
Run Developer Tests

Run the Developer Tests. The procedure will vary, depending on whether the test is manual or automated and whether additional test components are necessary, such as drivers or stubs.

To run the tests, you need to make sure that you have initialized the test environment with all necessary elements, such as software, hardware, tools, data, and so on.

Automated tests will often update a Test Log which you can evaluate to determine where your tests went wrong.

Evaluate test execution

Evaluate the test execution by analyzing the test run. 

Testing will complete either normally or abnormally.  For correctly implemented tests, a normal completion represents a passed test, though it could warrant additional examination of the test log to ensure the test ran as expected.  Abnormal termination could be premature termination or just a test that does not complete as intended.

Review the test log to understand any reported failures, warnings, or unexpected results. The cause of the problem(s) might be that the implementation element being tested is faulty, a problem with the developer tests, or a problem with the environment.

Respond to test results

Determine the appropriate corrective action to recover from a "failed" developer test run. If the implementation element under test is faulty, fix the problem if possible and rerun the tests. If the problem is serious and cannot be immediately addressed, perform the task Request Change to report the defect. If the developer test is faulty fix the test and rerun the tests. If there was a problem with the environment, resolve it and then rerun the tests.

When the developer tests pass, communicate the results. If the passing of these tests represent completion of a requirement, this could involve updating the status of something on the Work Items List.

Properties
Multiple Occurrences
Event Driven
Ongoing
Optional
Planned
Repeatable
Key Considerations

It is common to require that code pass all Developer tests before it can be delivered in an integrated build (see Guideline: Promoting Changes).

Pair with the Tester during all steps of this task to gain insight on testing and quality considerations.

More Information