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Unit Tests Could Have Saved Us Time

Lessons Learned

 During the VCAPS project we introduced automated unit testing. It became the rule to include unit tests with any new functionality or modification, but in one instance a manager complained that a deadline would be missed if testing were required. In this case special dispensation was granted. After releasing the code about 32 developer hours were spent tracking down a problem that cost untold customer delays. It was discovered that the errant development team had based their work on obsolete versions. For our own sake the unit tests were undertaken after the problem was found. Adapting existing unit tests to the new code took one hour. Lessons Learned

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