Busy Boy…

February 9, 2008

Hello All.I am, indeed, still alive.  But have been a very busy boy lately.  But a happy busy boy.We’re working on a large-scale project, built on Rails, due for a bug kahuna release some time this side of winter.It’s been a fantastic eye-opening experience for me, as we’re truly doing the continuous integration thing, and reaping the “long term” benefits - even at this relatively early stage.  I’d heard all the theories from a multitude of people before, but never really seen it executed well in practice.  Until now (big kudos to the guys, especially Will).So what’s this continuous integration all about?:

  • Every time some one checks code into the source code “trunk”, all (automated) tests are executed to validate the build - in other words, the build is “validated”
  • Everyone gets visibility of the (mostly) successful builds.  Good build = kudos.   We’re doing about 5-10 check-ins per day.
  • If a build fails, the project team is notified!!   Bad kudos for the developer.  Bad Kudos = Incentive to improve
  • Quality of code is maintained.  Bugs are reduced
  • More test coverage = more confidence = faster release cycles = agile business = keep ahead of others
  • Eventually leads to a test driven development (TDD) mentality
What it really means is that you are able to change with confidence, and change fast.  If you hadn’t already noticed - this is kinda a key factor for success, if not survival.
 
I’m really chuffed to work with a crew that are committed to this philosophy, and know that what we’re delivering to our client is top drawer stuff.
 
It’s the way to go. 
Posted by Dan Filed in Miscellaneous, Productivity

2 Responses to “Busy Boy…”

  1. Nic Wise Says:
    February 9, 2008 at 2:26 am

    yay, good on ya! What are you using for CI with rails? I’ve only done it with .NET - so CruiseControl.NET.

    Combine it with Test First Development (aka TDD), and you can have it build, run all your tests, compute code coverage, package the build into a deployment, or even deploy it, all with zero intervention. It’s fantastic!

    I’m at the BBC at the moment (in London), and we are fully into the TDD/Agile/CI/etc ways. Makes it SO easier to plan and work.

  2. Dan Says:
    February 11, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    We’re using CruiseControl with Rails! Haven’t quite got to the automated deployment stage yet but it’s a great way of working and gives you immense confidence and agility.

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