Testing Is … A Worthy Challenge
One of the reasons I love programming is that I enjoy the challenge of problem solving. On the flip side, nothing is more boring than repetitive, mind-numbing tasks. The great thing is that when something in my job becomes repetitive, that is a problem in itself that can be solved by programming. Meta.
Good developers don’t write the same five lines over and over, we abstract into a function. We abstract groups of functions (or objects) into libraries, and libraries into frameworks. Done right, we both take the tedium out of the job and enjoy the challenge of doing so. Then we get to enjoy the challenge of focusing on the real problems. If you like a challenge (and who doesn’t?), then you’re in the right place.
So why is it, then, that many developers avoid testing because they see it as a mind-numbing and repetitive activity? It is almost as if developers believe testing is an unskilled task that is doomed to be menial. In actual fact, testing takes many of the same skills as developing features. If you find it repetitive, ask yourself why and challenge yourself to do something about it. It is a perfect opportunity to put your problem solving skills to work.
