Testing Python: Applying Unit Testing, TDD, BDD and Acceptance Testing

243 Pages·2014·10.79 MB·English

by  David Sale

Testing Python®

Testing Python®
APPLYING UNIT TESTING, TDD, BDD,
AND ACCEPTANCE TESTING
David Sale
This edition first published 2014
© 2014 David Sale
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Publisher’s Acknowledgements
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About the Author
DAVID SALE is a Software Developer currently working
at British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) in London, UK as of
2014. He obtained a degree in Computing at the University
of Leeds. Whilst studying Computing, Python was taught
as the main programming language of the course. This is
very different to many other University’s where languages
such as Java are taught initially.
This is where David’s interest in Python first began and he
has looked to further his knowledge in what has become
his core programming language.
Following University, David joined BSkyB in September
2011, as part of the Software Engineering Academy graduate scheme. The scheme proved to
be an excellent platform for David to launch his career in software development.
Notably, David has worked on a RESTful Python application that models BSkyB’s products
and offers, applies complex pricing rules and business logic, whilst delivering a completely
data driven approach to the problem. David has also worked on a project using a Hypermedia
approach to sharing data across the application stack to deliver an innovative solution deliv-
ering sales to existing customers of BSkyB.
David quickly began making his presence known in the Python Community, having written
web articles on various Python topics. David has also given talks on Behaviour Driven
Development and Agile Development at the EuroPython conference, which was held in
Florence, Italy in 2012 and 2013 respectively, with videos of the talks available on YouTube.
David follows Agile Development principles whilst working at BSkyB, with pair program-
ming and Test/Behaviour Driven Development a must. From this focus on testing from such
an early point in his career, he has picked up many tips and techniques in Python testing
which allows development of quality software, which the business has up most confidence
in. It is hoped the tips and advice in this book allow you to learn and improve your daily test-
ing skills in Python.
You can find more on David’s current and previous projects at: www.dsale.co.uk.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost I would like to thank Craig Smith, Executive Commissioning Editor at
Wiley for approaching me with the opportunity to write this book and giving me the confi-
dence in my writing to go for this project; Sydney Jones Argenta, Project Editor, for editing
the book so diligently and keeping me up to date throughout the project; Jeff Younker, Alex
Bradbury, Andrew Robinson, and Harry Percival Technical Editors for ensuring my code was
up to the standard expected by the community and the best it could be.
Secondly, I’d like to give my gratitude to my employer British Sky Broadcasting (Sky). I joined
Sky through their Software Engineering Academy graduate scheme and have since pro-
gressed to a Software Developer. Without their investment in me, I would not have learned
some of the skills and advice that I can now share in this book. They also happily granted me
permission to work on this book and helped me find the time to deliver the project alongside
my work commitments. Please visit http://workforsky.com if you are interested in joining
the team or www.skygraduates.com for more on graduate schemes at Sky.
I’d like to thank my partner Katherine Sweeney, for being so patient in supporting me whilst
working on this book. Without her love and support, I would never have dreamed to deliver
a project like this and she constantly reminds me to believe in myself. This book is an achieve-
ment for us together and I am thankful to have her by my side.
Finally, I would like to thank my brothers Stefan and Matthew Sale for always supporting me
in my endeavours but in particular my parents, Ronald and Jennifer Sale. From an early age
I have always been taught to work hard and reach for your goals. This book is testament to
those words and without the drive to achieve that they have passed on to me; I could never
have seen such a big project through. This book is for them and all the people who have sup-
ported me in my career as a Software Developer.