Testing program behavior
Testing compares observed behavior with an expected result. A useful test describes a specific input, action, and outcome rather than merely checking that code runs.
Use the boundary cases identified after Boundary cases as concrete checks for the help desk behavior.
Three useful categories
- Normal cases: common valid inputs.
- Boundary cases: empty, minimal, maximal, duplicate, or unusual inputs.
- Failure cases: invalid input, missing data, unavailable services, or interrupted work.
For the case study, tests might include:
one valid event is accepted once
the same event ID is ignored on retry
an empty assignment queue reports that no work is waiting
related-report traversal does not revisit a cycleTests and decomposition
Small, focused functions make tests easier to write because each test can verify one responsibility. Tests also reveal unclear requirements: if it is difficult to state the expected result, the case study contract may need clarification.
Automation can run these checks repeatedly, but automation does not replace judgment. The tests still need meaningful cases and reliable expected outcomes.
AI can help expand a test plan by generating counterexamples and boundary inputs. Treat those suggestions as candidates: inspect each one, keep the cases that represent a real requirement or risk, and run them as executable checks. A generated test is useful evidence only when its expected result is justified independently.
When a test exposes an unstated edge condition, update the contract and add a regression case.