much ado about agile

September 26^th &27^th 2007

Abstract - Patterns for Continuous Functional Test Automation

In this series of exercises, an experienced Canoo WebTest user explains how to quickly become productive with this popular open source framework for functional software test automation. Using working code and common problems facing agile testers, this session provides new users what they need to achieve high levels of maintainable test automation. From that foundation, we'll also cover more advanced topics like test-first design, naming conventions, continuous build integration, and test automation patterns from real agile projects. This isn't a sanitized demo - you'll leave this session knowing how to create and maintain WebTests for your own web applications. The format is a series of instructor-led, incrementally more complex pair-programming exercises.

Biographical Information - Nate Oster

Nate Oster is player-coach who helps clients adopt agile test practices. He emphasizes measuring progress with passing tests, extensive automation, and testing as a serious technical discipline. He’s frequently consulted as an expert in functional test automation and system performance engineering. As an open-source committer for the Eclipse Process Framework, Nate serves as the test package owner for the Open Unified Process (OpenUP).

While Nate maintains a speaking schedule at software development conferences, most of his time is spent as a hands-on team leader and coach for test teams. Nate is a liberal arts geek and graduate of Grove City College, Pennsylvania, where he studied philosophy, religion, and economics. Today, Nate lives in northern Virginia with his wife, Heather, an educator. They enjoy technical rock climbing, backpacking, and travel.