# 30: Eventually Lightning Strikes (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2016-11-30
- Length: 57m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat

## Summary

James Grenning, author of 'Test-Driven Development for Embedded C' and founder of Renaissance Software, explains how Test-Driven Development (TDD) improves embedded software engineering by enabling developers to write portable, modular code before hardware is available. He argues that TDD forces early design decisions, such as modularity and interface segregation, which reduces integration bugs and allows engineers to test logic on a PC rather than waiting for target hardware. Grenning also discusses his teaching methodology, emphasizing that engineers should experience TDD themselves to understand its value in reducing late-stage debugging and managing legacy code.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=1) Introduction: James Grenning and TDD Overview
- [4:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=259) TDD, Agile, and Extreme Programming History
- [8:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=519) The Mechanics of TDD: Small Cycles and Modularity
- [15:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=945) Design for Testability vs. Test-Driven Design
- [22:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=1335) Portability: Getting Code Off the Target Hardware
- [33:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=1985) Grenning's Career and Teaching Philosophy
- [40:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=2426) Handling Legacy Code and Third-Party Libraries
- [44:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=2665) Convincing Teams and Managers to Adopt TDD
- [51:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat#t=3088) Incremental Development and Final Thoughts

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Renaissance Software (company)
- Test-Driven Development for Embedded C (product)
- SparkFun TinkerKit (product)
- Extreme Programming (other)
- Scrum (other)
- Kent Beck (other)
- Ron Jeffries (other)
- Bob Martin (other)
- SOLID (other)
- Legacy Code Challenge (other)
- Untapped (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Development is Better when it's Test-Driven](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-02-16-development-is-better-when-its-test-driven) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [James Grenning on TDD](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-08-24-james-grenning-on-tdd) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Writing Firmware without Hardware (featuring Matt Chernosky)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-11-16-writing-firmware-without-hardware-featuring-matt-chernosky) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [TDD: The Hard Parts - Getting Started with Test-Driven Development](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-09-30-tdd-the-hard-parts-getting-started-with-test-driven-development) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [The Matthew Test with Matthew Eshleman - Part 2](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-08-09-the-matthew-test-with-matthew-eshleman-part-2) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)

## Citing this page

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