“Safe Refactoring with Characterization Tests” from Test Automation Days 2020

I gave this presentation (22 minutes, so no need to clear your schedule for it) at Test Automation Days 2020. It’s about characterization tests – what they are, how they can help you, and how you can use the ApprovalTests… Continue Reading…

Metric: New code percentage Coverage

The Metrics: Percentage of New Coverage

When I talk with people who want to start measuring stuff, it’s always coverage. I’ve already talked about coverage as a metric, why it’s not good enough, especially on its own. But, in one case, there’s something to be said… Continue Reading…

Test Automation Days 2020: Safe Refactoring with Characterization Tests

2020 has been a weird year conference-wise. Conferences were either canceled or pushed back, or went online. Some went hybrid, getting a smaller audience in, while others join in remotely. It’s a new world out there, and I kind of… Continue Reading…

The number of ignored automated tests can tell you how to improve your team's relationship with tests

The Metrics: Number of Ignored Tests

Time for another metric. This time is about ignorance, and not the blissful kind. From whenever we (or Kent Beck) invented test frameworks, we wanted to ignore tests. For all kinds of reasons, mostly focusing around: Don’t bother me now,… Continue Reading…

Not Hammer Time

When TDD Is Not The Hammer

I always tell people: When you need to add a new feature, use the TDD way. Write a test first, make small steps, and all will be well. But sometimes, we need to take other paths. I was working on… Continue Reading…

TDD Forget the tests

Forget About the Tests in TDD

Ok, don’t kill me. Breath in and listen. As I’m working on new material for my TDD course, I got back to one of the original tips I give people about starting TDD. Forget the tests. Doing TDD for the… Continue Reading…

Test failure rate is a metric that indicates the team's attitude toward tests and quality.

The Metrics: Test Failure Rate

Last time we’ve talked about counting the number of tests. That’s a pretty good indicator of how the team is adapting the new practice of writing tests. But how do they treat those tests? Do they see tests as a… Continue Reading…

Quality metrics

The Metrics: Number of New Tests

I’m working on an interesting project for a client about showing different, somewhat advanced metrics on their code quality. So I decided to write about metrics, what they mean and how you can track them, and much more importantly, how… Continue Reading…

Agile Estimation and Planning

“Better Estimation & Planning” Recording from PM Day 2020

Conferences are rare these days, like a meteor shower in Animal Crossing (or so my daughter tells me). However, the online conference market has evolved considerably as an alternatives. And so, I was invited to do a session, on the… Continue Reading…

Micro-tests make incremental development faster

What Are Micro-Tests?

What’s the difference between unit tests and micro-tests? What makes them micro anyway? It’s all about speed.

Copyright Gil Zilberfeld, 2025