Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product are of quality?

#1

Post by allenc » Fri, Apr 22, 2011, 7:18 AM UTC

I really wanted to post a poll but apparently I don't have enough karma. =|

Curious what processes/techniques software companies use to make sure their codebase and by extension product remain good quality. Stuff like extensive code reviews, comprehensive unit tests, manual testing, pair programming, etc. - or do you just move fast and break stuff?

Re: Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product are of quality?

#2

Post by michaelpinto » Fri, Apr 22, 2011, 8:10 AM UTC

I know I'm old school, but having a set period for QA is just as important as having a spec. I always avoid having the coders test their own code, otherwise that's like having a writer proofread their own copy.

Re: Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product are of quality?

#3

Post by daviddavis » Fri, Apr 22, 2011, 10:46 AM UTC

We use a three prong attack that has really boosted our code quality:

1. Automated unit tests AND behavior driven tests (outside-in testing)

2. Having the code checked by another developer by doing a code review or pair programming

3. Week of hardening where the code is tested by the project manager/business analyst/QA person

I really think that helps to cover all bases. Clients sometimes think it's overkill but it's much easier to fix a bug the earlier it's caught.

Re: Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product are of quality?

#4

Post by mborromeo » Fri, Apr 22, 2011, 3:45 PM UTC

Automated unit test, BDD and static code analysis