- We design and build extraordinary applications for companies looking to make the next great idea a reality.
- learn more
Javascript, Unit Testing and Code Coverage
Q: Why are there no good Open Source dental practice management software packages? A: Because there are so few dentists who are C++ programmers.
Paul Watson raises the question of why there are no decent code coverage tools available for Javascript:
Am I to think that all those millions of lines of Javascript out there on all those Web 2.0 sites that espouse agile practies with TDD influences don't have code coverage? Sure, some may have unit testing but unit testing without code coverage is a less than ideal situation. You simply don't know if you have tested all functions and all paths in your functions. Unit testing and code coverage go hand in hand, they back each other up.
He has found one commercial tool that is currently in beta, but nothing else. It apparently takes the approach of hooking into the various browser platforms by means of a DLL? I know that there has been some talk about hooking code coverage into Venkman, Rhino and the Komodo IDE. But so far no one is offering a Javascript only, cross-browser solution.
So what are you to do? Venkman at least can give you function level code coverage with profiling, but that's only good for Firefox. Same with the commercial profiler from Tito Software for IE.
Unless the Mozialla and Microsoft guys provide something like this, I don't see it happening in open source. The best open source software is always made by users for users. How many Javascript developers also have the skillset to develop the necessary IE, Firefox, Opera and Safari plugins?
Topics: Agile Development, Ajax Tools, Javascript, Testing
Comments: 1 so far
Leave a comment
About Pathfinder
Recent
- Faster JavaScript for Firefox 3.1 Thru JIT
- Implementing linked multiselects with jQuery, LiveQuery, and Low Pro: Part 2: First pass at the actual code
- I’m Cranky Because I’m Not Getting Enough REST
- Flex Gauge Component Example with source
- Plugging Some Cool Tools
- Implementing linked multiselects with jQuery, LiveQuery, and Low Pro: Part 1: Requirements and interaction design
- Many Varied Components, or… Multi Variable Complexity, or… Mainly Vanilla Coding
- Custom Flex 3 Lightweight Preloader with source code
- Mass Assigning Inheritance Column Values for ActiveRecord STI with Rails
- Working effectively as a team of one: Five tips for front-end developers on Agile teams
Archives
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006


Nice analogy on the dental front.
I think the other problem is that professional JavaScript coding is a relatively new thing. Before this recent surge it was seen as a bit of a twine and sticky-tape language that dealt with a tiny bit of your app.
I’d be happy to work on a Firefox solution but as you say what about Opera, IE and Safari then? I don’t have the plugin expertise for those platforms.
Comment by Paul Watson, Friday, October 13, 2006 @ 3:40 am