Test Driven Development is the idea that by writing the tests for software before the implementation of any executable code, we can ensure maximal test coverage and code quality. The following blog outlines the process of test driven development as a how-to/guide, as well as benefits to a test driven development process.
You have an important custom software project. Maybe it is a new mobile application. Or perhaps it's a web application for customers and employees. You have done the hard part. Researched potential vendors. Received input from others who have done this before. Solicited proposals and chosen your new software development partner. You are ready to go. And you want the project to start strongly and give you confidence that you made the right decision.
So what does a "good kickoff" feel like? At AndPlus, we have kicked off hundreds of custom software projects over the years. In our experience, there are 3 important things needed to have confidence in your project right from the start.
Agile is a collaborative approach to building custom software. Not only is collaboration important to the development team (with approaches like swarming and paired programming), it is also critical across all groups involved in the development process.
As businesses have continued to integrate mobile applications to improve core business functions, they have also begun to incorporate mobile applications for use behind the scenes, in the form of building automation applications. Today’s building automation systems have advanced far beyond the HVAC-centric systems of the past, handling such functions as lighting, security and safety. All of these functions can now be handled by facility and building managers using a mobile device such as an iPhone or Android handset.
Measuring success is the final critical step in implementing a mobile control application. There are often obvious metrics regarding efficiency improvements (often supported with time and motion studies) and corresponding cost improvements. Or perhaps inventory management or repair time metrics. However, there can be other important metrics. Budget for the project is critical. And that means having a clear understanding of when the project is “done.” The timeline of when users actually interact with the application.
The User Interface enables a person to interact with the application. The User Experience is how the user feels after he or she is done using the interface. This is often thought to be the most high profile and exciting step in developing the application. Users and project resources begin to see the result of the hard work and implementation.
