The test data problem

Throughout the book, we discuss different modes of testing, such as the extended user journey (actually using the software like a user) versus testing a specific feature as an isolated element. Often, we find splitting the automated checking up into these smaller pieces makes sense, while in other cases a human can add a great deal of value by looking at the entire system holistically. Joel Spolsky, an early blogger that we have been influenced by, wrote an article that appears to support this distinction, reinforcing the user journey. In this chapter, we’ll add another layer of complexity to consider.

Here’s a quote from Joel: “Eating your own dog food is the quaint name that we in the computer industry give to the process of actually using your own product. I had forgotten how well it worked, until a month ago, I took home a build of CityDesk (thinking it was about 3 weeks from shipping) and tried to build a site with it.

Phew! There...