TDD for UI

The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast · 23 Jun 2023 · 42m

What this episode covers

Jeff Gable and Luca discuss how to apply Test Driven Development (TDD) to user interfaces for embedded systems, specifically addressing a listener's struggle with the GTKmm framework in a medical device context. They argue that UI frameworks should be treated like hardware—abstracted away via thin shim layers—so that business logic remains unit-testable. The hosts advise against automating UI tests due to brittleness, recommending instead a combination of rigorous unit testing for logic, automated integration tests via serial interfaces, and periodic manual exploratory testing for the UI.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 56m

    30: Eventually Lightning Strikes

    James Grenning, author of 'Test Driven Development for Embedded C' and founder of Renaissance Software, explains how TDD reduces bugs and improves design in embedded systems. He argues that manual testing is unsustainable because the cost of retesting grows exponentially, leading to hidden defects that cause late-stage failures. Grenning advocates for getting code off the target hardware to run on PCs using mocks and fakes, which forces modularity and allows engineers to build confidence before hardware is available. He emphasizes that TDD is not just about testing but about driving SOLID design principles, such as single responsibility, by making complex code difficult to test.

  • Embedded.fm · 57m

    30: Eventually Lightning Strikes (Repeat)

    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.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 09m

    103: Tentacles Of the Kraken

    Mark VanderVoord, lead maintainer of the open source testing frameworks Unity and CMock, explains how test-driven development (TDD) and mocking help embedded engineers design better code without needing full hardware simulators. He details the workflow of using CMock to generate fake interfaces for hardware drivers like I2C, allowing developers to test logic in a native host environment. VanderVoord also discusses the challenges of maintaining these tools, his new online course on ThrowTheSwitch.org, and the business model of supporting free open source projects through books and classes.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 10m

    270: Broccoli Is Good Too

    James Grenning, author of 'Test Driven Development for Embedded C' and founder of Wingman Software, discusses the philosophy and practice of Test Driven Development (TDD) for embedded systems. He explains how TDD reduces debugging time by enforcing small, verifiable steps and using techniques like 'ZOMBIES' to defer complex decisions. Grenning also shares insights from a recent side project involving a Synapse Wireless mesh network for industrial water pressure monitoring, illustrating how to handle hardware uncertainty through experimentation and loose coupling.

  • Embedded.fm · 53m

    16: Democracy Is the Worst Form of Government

    Curtis Cole, a veteran embedded systems engineer and former VP of Engineering at Leapfrog, argues that Agile methodologies like Scrum and Test-Driven Development (TDD) are effective for embedded software when adapted to hardware constraints. He explains how user stories, sprints, and story points allow teams to manage unknown requirements and deliver incremental, usable prototypes without compromising the final product's stability. Cole emphasizes that Agile is merely a process tool; success depends on hiring skilled engineers who prioritize quality, testing, and modular design over mere speed.

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