# Why Testing Sucks

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2021-05-11
- Length: 37m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/why-testing-sucks-opplJzgs

## Summary

Jeff Gable and Luca discuss why testing feels difficult, arguing that the problem is often trying to test low-risk hardware features rather than high-risk software logic. They emphasize using risk matrices (probability vs. severity) to prioritize testing, advocating for hardware abstraction layers and re-architecting systems to avoid unpredictable interrupt interactions in safety-critical applications. The hosts also address how to approach testing legacy code, suggesting characterization tests and refactoring based on gut feeling about where bugs might lurk.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=0) Introduction: Why Testing Sucks and Listener Email
- [1:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=86) Defining Risk: Probability and Severity of Failure
- [6:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=408) Testing Hardware vs. Software: The Timer Example
- [14:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=862) Architecture Smells: Interrupts and Predictability
- [17:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=1055) Case Study: Decomposing Invoice Printing
- [24:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=1499) Testing Legacy Code and Refactoring Strategies
- [33:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks#t=1986) Conclusion: Trust Your Gut and Satisfy Yourself

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Agile Embedded Academy (company)
- Embedded AI Podcast (product)
- Working Effectively with Legacy Code (other)
- IEC 62304 (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [30: Eventually Lightning Strikes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-12-11-30-eventually-lightning-strikes) (Embedded.fm)
- [290: Rule of Thumbs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-06-06-290-rule-of-thumbs) (Embedded.fm)
- [30: Eventually Lightning Strikes (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [270: Broccoli Is Good Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-12-14-270-broccoli-is-good-too) (Embedded.fm)
- [53: Being a Grownup Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-05-28-53-being-a-grownup-engineer) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-05-11-why-testing-sucks. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast.