Agile Pigs and Unit Testing Tips

I have just posted an article that people might find interesting. Agile Bug Finding with Risk Targeted Testing in Java, is a bit of a long winded way to say "use the Halstead Volume metric".

But part of its is tips on unit testing in Java that is more blog relevant.
Here is an extract:

  
Run the tests every time you change something. If you use Ant then have a 

  test task that gets triggered on change. Keep your old test results for 

  reference.

  
Use XML for your test data. Hard coded tests are more difficult to 

  maintain. An XML database is the ultimate form, but using a simple tool like 

  XStream can do what you need. Use the XML include directive to share data 

  between sets of test cases.

  
Check your test classes with FindBugs. FindBugs will examine the logic, 

  which should be very simple in test classes. Having passed that your test 

  classes can be safely used.

  
Use MockObjects or real classes with Proxy interceptors to keep the unit 

  tests at the unit level. This insulates test classes, test data and test 

  running against changes to other parts of the system.

  
The test class hierarchy should mimic that of the real code under test, 

  this allows abstract classes to be tested properly.

  
For reviewing code use an integrated tool like Jupiter for Eclipse, that 

  stores the review information with the source code.

  
Build metrics collection into your test process. Use the extensions to 

  Checkstyle to get some and test to get the others. For example try running a 

  complex test case 1000 times to get an idea of performance, or at the end of 

  the test serialize the object under test and see its size. You can then watch 

  for dramatic changes in metrics.

  
Use architectural checks like Macker rules to preserve the architecture 

  standards.

  
Use a tool like vDoclet to generate an initial set of test cases and your 

  basic JUnit test class from the interface definition.