Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/test-and-behavior-driven-development-tdd-bdd
In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, the importance of delivering robust and well-tested applications cannot be overstated. That’s where the Coursera course ‘Introduction to Test and Behavior Driven Development’ comes in. This course is a must for developers looking to enhance their software quality through effective testing methods.
### Course Overview
The course begins by laying a solid foundation in software testing. Through an engaging introduction, students learn the critical importance of testing in the development process, illustrated vividly through the historical example of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module’s guidance system. This module sets the stage for understanding the ramifications of neglecting testing.
### Syllabus Breakdown
1. **Introduction to Testing**: This module not only covers the basics of software testing but also elaborates on the different levels of testing within a traditional release cycle. Knowing when to implement test-driven and behavior-driven development strategies is explained clearly and thoroughly.
2. **Test Driven Development (TDD)**: Diving into the heart of the course, this section familiarizes students with TDD’s Red/Green/Refactor cycle. The practical application of TDD using Python is well-illustrated, with hands-on activities involving essential tools like Unittest and Nose. Students learn real-world skills such as crafting assertions and adapting their tests to cover both happy and sad paths.
3. **Advanced TDD Techniques**: As the course progresses, learners explore advanced topics such as test coverage and mocking. The emphasis here is on the need for continued testing even when full coverage is achieved, ensuring that developers comprehend how to utilize factories for creating dependable test data.
4. **Behavior Driven Development (BDD)**: Transitioning into BDD, the course highlights benefits that extend beyond traditional unit testing. Students will be introduced to Gherkin syntax and how to write effective BDD specifications using tools like Behave, reinforcing the notion of testing from a user-centric perspective.
5. **Implementing BDD with Behave**: By generating Python steps with Behave, students gain hands-on experience that will bolster their ability to create efficient automated tests. The context variable discussions add depth to the learning by allowing for smarter test executions.
6. **Final Project and Exam**: The capstone of the course is a practical project that integrates everything learned. By creating a REST API for a product catalog backend and writing BDD scenarios for an administrative interface, students can showcase their skills in a real-world context. Additionally, a final exam tests their grasp of course content.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Introduction to Test and Behavior Driven Development’ is an invaluable course for developers aiming to elevate their coding practices by integrating TDD and BDD methodologies. The hands-on projects and comprehensive syllabus make it suitable for both beginners and those with some background in software development. If you’re serious about improving software quality and ensuring reliability through rigorous testing, this course is highly recommended.
Get ready to build not just the right software but to build it right!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/test-and-behavior-driven-development-tdd-bdd