Key Points

• An overview of patterns in software development.
• The test design pattern schema.
• Development of several actual test design patterns.
• Participant pattern development breakout.
• Discussion.
• Patterns for pattern development.

Presentation Abstract

A Test Design Pattern expresses a commonly used solution strategy for a recurring test design problem. The Test Design Pattern template is a list of questions that must be answered to articulate such a strategy. This tutorial introduces concepts and techniques for development of test design patterns.

A successful pattern is much more than narrow synopsis of technique, leading some people to observe that patterns are "discovered" and not "developed". Concepts will be presented for identifying possible patterns and validating pattern proposals.

Participants will work on pattern identification in a small group breakout sessions and discuss their results.

About the Author

Robert V. Binder is the developer of the test design pattern schema and author of Testing Object-Oriented Systems: Models, Patterns, and Tools, which presents 37 test design patterns.