Automated Unit Testing and Test-Driven Development Approach to Teaching C++

Abstract

The best practices of agile software development have had a significant positive impact on the quality of software and time-to-delivery. As a result, many leading software companies employ some form of agile software development practices. Some of the most important best practices of agile software development, which have received significant attention in recent years, are automated unit testing (AUT) and test-driven development (TDD). Both of these practices work in conjunction to provide numerous benefits. Unfortunately, students in introductory programming courses are generally not introduced to AUT and TDD. This leads to the development of bad programming habits and practices which become harder to change later on. By introducing the students earlier to these industry-standard best practices, not only the motivation and interest of students in this area can be increased but also their academic success and job marketability can be enhanced. This paper presents the detailed design of an introductory C++ programming course designed using the principles of AUT and TDD. The paper presents the pedagogical techniques employed to inculcate industry-proven agile software development best practices in the students.