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Developer Testing - Arguments For

publish date2026/06/19 10:41:43.253682 UTC

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Some argue developers should test their own code rather than handing it to a separate testing team. Which of the following are valid arguments in favor of developers testing their own code? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer

(1) Developers have the deepest knowledge of the code, enabling them to design targeted tests quickly
(2) Developers can fix defects immediately as they are discovered during testing
(3) Integrating testing into development encourages a test-as-you-code mindset

Explanation

Arguments for developer testing include: deep code knowledge enables efficient targeted test design; immediate fix-and-retest cycles reduce turnaround time; integrating testing into development (as in TDD) promotes quality throughout. However, developers are often less motivated to break their own code and may unconsciously avoid tests that reveal their mistakes - a key argument for separate testing teams.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition


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