Test-driven feedback loop is a process where testing is done at every stage of the software development process before the actual programming is started. It ensures that the software application is built based on the requirements of customers or stakeholders and any changes required are taken into account immediately. It forms an important part of advanced practice for Certified Scrum Developers (A-CSD) where they must build customer value through effective communication and collaboration.
Understanding Stakeholder Feedback in Scrum
Before we delve into the practical ways to use test driven feedback loop, let’s first understand the role of feedback in Scrum.
Scrum emphasizes iterative and incremental delivery of a product, where feedback plays a pivotal role. Stakeholders can be anybody from clients, testers, customers, or even managers who have a vested interest in the project. When stakeholders provide feedback, it creates an opportunity for the developers to understand their needs and wants better.
Implementing A Test-Driven Feedback Loop Approach
Now, let’s consider an approach to implement a test-driven feedback loop with stakeholders and users.
- Deciding the Test Scenarios: The feedback loop starts by understanding the requirements of the stakeholders and creating test scenarios or cases based on these requirements.
- Test Development: The developers then create tests focusing on these scenarios. These tests are run and they are expected to fail as the code for these tests hasn’t been developed yet.
- Code Development: Now the developers write the minimum code required to pass these tests. The code is then refactored to meet the standards and guidelines of the organization.
- Re-run the Tests: Once the improvements have been made, the developers then re-run the tests. If the tests pass, the changes are accepted, if not, step 3 is repeated.
- Feedback from Stakeholders: The working increment of the software is then demonstrated to the stakeholders. Their feedback is used for further modifications if needed.
Let’s see this approach in a tabular form for better clarity.
Steps | Action |
---|---|
Test Scenarios | Derive from stakeholder requirements |
Test Development | Create and run tests (expected to fail) |
Code Development | Write and refactor code |
Re-run Tests | Confirm if tests pass or repeat step 3 |
Stakeholder Feedback | Demonstrate software increment and gather feedback |
Using the Feedback for Improvement
After presenting the increment to the stakeholders, it’s crucial to properly manage their feedback. Here are few tips:
- Prioritize Feedback: Not all feedback will be of the same significance. It’s key to prioritize them based on project requirements, complexity, time and resources required.
- Reiterate: After prioritizing, re-run the test-driven feedback loop incorporating the changes suggested in the feedback.
- Regular Communication: Keep stakeholders informed about the changes being made in response to their feedback.
Conclusion
Test-driven feedback loop ensures that stakeholder’s requirements are well-understood and they remain engaged throughout the process. It also helps in keeping the project on track and promotes iterative improvements. Thus a Certified Scrum Developer (A-CSD) can ensure that they regularly use testing and feedback as a mechanism to drive software development and deliver customer value more effectively.
Practice Test
True/False: The test driven feedback loop with stakeholders and users is an iterative process that involves everyone getting equal input in the project development.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The test driven feedback loop is a collaborative activity that happens in cycles and seeks the input and feedback of everyone involved in a project including users and stakeholders.
In a test driven feedback loop, which approach involves writing a test that describes an expected function, running it to see it fail, then coding until the test passes?
- a) Waterfall Approach
- b) Agile Approach
- c) Test Driven Development
- d) Lean UX
Answer: c) Test Driven Development
Explanation: Test Driven Development (TDD) is a development approach where tests are written before the code. The test describes a function that the system should perform, the test is run and expected to fail, then the code is written and modified until the test passes.
True/False: The end users typically have little to no involvement in a test driven development process.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The test driven development process often involves getting input and feedback from end-users to provide a better understanding of what they need and want from the system being developed.
Multiple Select: Which following elements are essential in implementing a successful test driven development loop with stakeholders and users?
- a) Collaborative planning meetings
- b) Clear communication
- c) Testing features in isolation
- d) Working only with developers, not stakeholders or users
- e) Feedback sessions with stakeholders and users
Answer: a) Collaborative planning meetings, b) Clear communication, c) Testing features in isolation, e) Feedback sessions with stakeholders and users
Explanation: Successful TDD requires collaboration, clear communication, independent feature testing, and regular feedback from stakeholders and users. A developer-only perspective does not meet the needs of stakeholders or users.
True/False: When implementing a test-driven feedback loop, it’s acceptable to ignore the inputs of stakeholders and users if the development team thinks they have a better solution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The inputs of stakeholders and users must always be a part of the test-driven feedback loop. Their perspective helps the development team to build a system that meets their needs.
Multiple Select: Which of the following benefits does a test driven feedback loop provide?
- a) Increased collaboration
- b) Reduction of errors in code
- c) Understanding of user needs
- d) Increased coding time
Answer: a) Increased collaboration, b) Reduction of errors in code, c) Understanding of user needs
Explanation: A test driven feedback loop encourages active involvement of all stakeholders, reduces coding errors thanks to frequent tests, and enhances understanding of user needs.
True/False: Test driven development can be implemented without regular meetings with stakeholders and users.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Regular meetings are necessary when implementing TDD in order to gain continuous feedback from stakeholders and users.
What does the “red, green, refactor” phrase refer to?
- a) Color-coding system for bugs
- b) Steps in the Test Driven development process
- c) Method for tracking project progress
- d) None of the above
Answer: b) Steps in the Test Driven development process
Explanation: “Red, green, refactor” refers to the process of first writing a failed test (Red), making it pass (Green), then refactoring the code to remove any duplication or complexity.
True/False: In a test-driven feedback loop, the involvement of stakeholders only comes in at the end to test the complete system.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In a test-driven feedback loop, stakeholders are involved throughout the entire process, not just at the end.
What is the role of users in a test driven feedback loop?
- a) Giving feedback on the system
- b) Writing tests for the system
- c) Developing the system
- d) All of the above
Answer: a) Giving feedback on the system
Explanation: The role of users in a test driven feedback loop is to provide vital input and feedback on how well the system is meeting their needs.
Interview Questions
What general approach can use to implement a test-driven feedback loop with stakeholders and users?
To implement a test-driven feedback loop, start by gathering user and stakeholder requirements – focus on what the software should achieve rather than how it should be structured. Translate these requirements into a set of test scenarios/cases, which form the basis for test-driven development. Upon completion of development and passing tests, demonstrate the working functionality to the stakeholders/users and gather feedback.
What are the benefits of implementing a test-driven feedback loop with stakeholders and users?
Implementing this feedback loop helps ensure that the development is aligned with the expectations and requirements of the stakeholders/users. It can improve quality by ensuring that tests are written before the code, and it boosts confidence in system behavior and functionality.
How can a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) contribute to a test-driven feedback loop with stakeholders and users?
An MVP is a version of the product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future product development. By using test-driven development to create an MVP and then gathering user and stakeholder feedback, developers can improve the product incrementally and responsively.
What role does automated testing play in a test-driven feedback loop with stakeholders and users?
Automated tests underpin the test-driven feedback loop as they enable rapid testing of new and existing features. Any change in code causes the automated tests to be rerun, ensuring all features still work as expected and allowing for immediate feedback to the developers.
How can feedback from the stakeholder and user alter the progress of test-driven development?
Stakeholder or user feedback can necessitate changes in the requirements or desired functionality, which in turn requires alteration of the tests and possibly the existing code. This enables the software to better meet the needs of the stakeholders and users.
What happens if a test case does not pass in a test-driven feedback loop?
If a test case does not pass, the developed functionality does not meet its requirements and the code must be corrected. Once the failing test case passes, the functionality can be demonstrated to stakeholders/users for feedback.
Can the test-driven feedback loop be used in continuous integration (CI) pipeline?
Yes, the feedback loop concept fits well with continuous integration. Developers integrate their changes and each integration is verified by an automated build and automated tests to detect integration errors as quickly as possible.
How does the test-driven feedback loop contribute to incremental development?
With each iteration of the loop – requirement gathering, test creation, development, demonstration, and feedback – you are incrementally improving and developing the product. This fits perfectly with both the Scrum approach and the concept of incremental development.
Can you skip gathering feedback from stakeholders and users during test-driven development?
No, the purpose of a test-driven feedback loop is to ensure that the developed functionality meets the specific needs and requirements of the users and stakeholders. Missing feedback could lead to the development of unwanted features.
What language should be used for creating tests in a test-driven feedback loop?
Ideally, tests should be written in a business-readable language. This makes it easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand and contribute to the tests, and it ensures that the tests reflect real-world, business-focused requirements.