SPaMCAST 295 - TDD, Software Sensei, Cognitive Load

SPaMCAST 295 features our essay on Test Driven Development (TDD). TDD is an approach to development in which you write a test that proves the piece of work you are working on, and then write the code required to pass the test. You then refactor that code to eliminate duplication and any overlap, then repeat until all of the work is completed. Philosophically, Agile practitioners see TDD as a tool either to improve requirements and design (specification) or to improve the quality of the code.  This is similar to the distinction between verification (are you doing the right thing) and validation (are you doing the thing right). We also have a new entry from the Software Sensei, Kim Pries. Kim addresses cognitive load theory.  Cognitive load theory helps explain how learning and change occur at personnel, team and organizational levels. Next week we will feature our interview with Jeff Dalton. Jeff and I talked about making Agile resilient.  Jeff posits that the CMMI can be used to strengthen and reinforce Agile. This is an important interview for organizations that are considering scaled Agile frameworks. Upcoming Events Upcoming DCG Webinars: July 24 11:30 EDT - The Impact of Cognitive Bias On Teams Check these out at www.davidconsultinggroup.com I will be attending Agile 2014 in Orlando, July 28 through August 1, 2014.  It would be great to get together with SPaMCAST listeners, let me know if you are attending. http://agile2014.agilealliance.org/ I will be presenting at the International Conference on Software Quality and Test Management in San Diego, CA on October 1 http://www.pnsqc.org/international-conference-software-quality-test-management-2014/ I will be presenting at the North East Quality Council 60th Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA.  http://www.neqc.org/conference/60/location.asp More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events!  The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivity Institute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. The ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar recordings, and waives the PDU processing fees on all live and recorded webinars. The Software Process and Measurement Cast some support if you sign up here. All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. Shameless Ad for my book! Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." Support SPaMCAST by buying the book here. Available in English and Chinese.