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They are still debt since they don't directly contribute to product value: you can delete all your tests and your software will keep functioning. It doesn't me
by hbrn 4y ago
They are still debt since they don't directly contribute to product value: you can delete all your tests and your software will keep functioning.
It doesn't mean it's a debt worth taking, though IME most companies are either taking way too much or way to little. Not treating tests as debt typically leads to over-testing, and it is way worse than under-testing.
Also, what you're talking about (business-oriented requirements) is more akin to higher level tests (integration/e2e), not unit tests.
- jeremyjh 4y agoIf you can simply delete it that’s not debt, it’s just cost. My bank doesn’t let me delete my loan obligation and still live in my house.
- hbrn 4y agoYou can simply burn the bank, no? I've never seen a team where bad tests were simply deleted. They were always "fixed" instead.
- Rexxar 4y agoYou can also delete the source code after compiling it and your software will keep functioning. Does it mean that code don't directly contribute to product value ?