A neat improvement to JUnit testing

Joe Walnes has posted a neat way to simplify and improve tests with JUnit. His technique borrows classes from JMock, but doesn't require you to use Mock Objects.

SableCC v3 and Domain Specific Languages

If you're trying to build a external DSL, you'll need to write a compiler for it. If the language is non-trivial, you will probably want to use a parser generator. One of the best is SableCC, which deserves to be better known.

Nat Pryce (of JMock and OO-Matron fame) has written an excellent introduction to SableCC version 3.

I've been using v2 of SableCC for a couple of years to compile the DSL for the SmartRec project.

At the time I started work on SmartRec, v3 of SableCC was still unstable and the documentation was minimal. I decided to stick with V2, which was recommended for production applications.

I got off to a very quick start. Sadly, as the DSL got more sophisiticated my compiler got more brittle. I've been looking for a good solution for a while. Nat's article has given me one. Thanks, Nat!

XP version 2, Mocking and more at the Agile Academy

I forgot to this before my holidays, so its kinda late in the day - but there is a really good series of courses on in London next week.

The Agile Academy Summer School runs from Monday 5th to Friday 9th September.

Agenda

Day 1: Introduction to programming with XP version 2

Day 2: Putting XP into practice with RoboCode

Day 3: Advanced Test-First with Mock Objects

Day 4: Acceptance Testing with Fit and Fit Library

Day 5: Automation of Builds and Deployment

They may still have some places free (but at this notice you may have to bring your own sandwiches).

The presenters are leading lights in the AgileCommunity and the courses will be very hands-on. Strongly recommended.

Apologies for posting this so late!