# Living Documentation with Philip Markgraf

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2024-01-30
- Length: 58m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf-OggD9dIR

## Summary

Philip Markgraf, an experienced software developer and technical leader, explains how he transformed a medical ventilator team’s engineering culture by using living documentation derived from test-driven development. He details the process of using unit tests as software design descriptions and integration tests as software requirements specifications (SRS), eliminating the need for static Word documents. Markgraf argues that this approach, combined with ensemble programming, significantly reduces bugs, accelerates feedback loops, and improves overall product quality in regulated industries.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=0) Introduction: Philip Markgraf and his background in embedded systems
- [0:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=39) Transitioning from storage automation to medical ventilators and merging cultures
- [11:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=675) Using unit tests as software detailed design and the role of clean code
- [19:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=1143) Generating Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) from integration tests
- [27:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=1657) Contrasting living documentation with traditional heavyweight documentation processes
- [34:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=2046) Implementing the approach in new projects: robotic ultrasound and surgery systems
- [38:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=2299) Impact on product delivery, bug reduction, and organizational confidence
- [44:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=2642) Critique of Gherkin vs. custom DSLs and the value of direct code readability
- [52:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=3150) The power of ensemble/mob programming and integrating QA into development
- [55:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2024-01-30-living-documentation-with-philip-markgraf#t=3318) Global Day of Code Retreat and practicing Test Driven Development

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Philip Markgraf (other)
- Extreme Programming (other)
- Lua (other)
- Gherkin (other)
- Mermaid (other)
- Durkin (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [30: Eventually Lightning Strikes (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [16: Democracy Is the Worst Form of Government](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-08-28-16-democracy-is-the-worst-form-of-government) (Embedded.fm)
- [270: Broccoli Is Good Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-12-14-270-broccoli-is-good-too) (Embedded.fm)
- [109: Resurrection of Extreme Programming](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-15-109-resurrection-of-extreme-programming) (Embedded.fm)
- [109: Resurrection of Extreme Programming (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-10-12-109-resurrection-of-extreme-programming-repeat) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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