Welcome to the ApprovalTests Java Koans

Contents

• Definition of ‘Koan’
• What is this all about?
• Group Learning
• Current Lessons
• Getting Started
• Tips & Tricks

Learn by Doing

27 progressive examples to help you learn Approval Tests
By: Llewellyn Falco

Definition of ‘Koan’

Kōans is a zen word meaning the enlightenment or awakening of a person, usually through a puzzle or riddle. The most common one is "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"

What is this all about?

ApprovalTests is a verification library to help with unit testing. These Koans are an interactive and fun way to be introduced to and learn how to test with ApprovalTests.

Group Learning

If you are learning with a group checkout the printouts to help facilitate that at Group Learning Facilitation

Current Lessons

• GettingStarted
• Collections
• ApprovingTheResult
• UsingReporters

Getting Started

Download the zip, expand it and import it into Eclipse. Run the unit test, see it fail, then fill in the blank ("____"). Run it again to see it pass.

Tips & Tricks

• Play: Experimentation is a powerful learning tool. Don't be afraid to try stuff out, and run it to see what happens.
• Run the Test: It is valuable to see what the results are. All Koans are designed to produce something even before they are filled in.
• Debug: Set some break point and walk through the code. It's a great way to get details. ({"Ctrl+R, Ctrl+T"}) will run in debug mode.
• Do Them with a Friend: Learning is more fun and less frustrating when you have a friend with you.
• Retrospect after each Koan: True insight comes from reflecting on the answer, not just obtaining it. Answer 1 question from this list