Have You Been Burned by Bad Automated Testing?
Automated testing is supposed to make development easier, but for many developers, it has done the opposite. Poorly implemented test suites can slow down development, create unnecessary hurdles, and lead to frustration rather than efficiency.
The Right Testing Strategy Speeds Up Development
When built correctly, automated tests are a developer's best ally. They act as a safety net, allowing developers to confidently make changes without fearing unintended consequences.
Faster iterations: Developers can modify code, run tests, and quickly identify broken functionality.
Confidence in changes: No more worrying about hidden bugs creeping into production.
Efficient problem-solving: Issues are caught early, reducing debugging time and improving overall productivity.
The Cost of No Testing (or Bad Testing)
Teams working on large applications without tests often spend excessive time tracking down issues. Without proper test coverage:
Developers hesitate to make changes, fearing unexpected breakages.
Small updates become major risks, leading to stagnation.
Eventually, the project reaches a point where a complete rewrite seems like the only option.
Skipping testing to save time in the short term often results in massive technical debt, forcing teams to start over, and wasting far more time and resources.
Future-Proof Your Codebase with Proper Testing
A well-implemented test suite keeps a project maintainable for years. Some of our projects have been running for over a decade with minimal issues, thanks to robust automated testing.
We even advocate for test-driven development (TDD)—writing tests before the actual code—to guide the development process and ensure high-quality, reliable software.
The Bottom Line
Investing in good automated testing early on saves time, money, and frustration in the long run. If you want a codebase that scales with confidence, automated testing isn’t optional—it’s essential.