From: Dave Thomas <Dave@...>
Date: 2002-05-21T02:45:48+09:00
Subject: Re: [RDoc etc] automatic documentation: using tests in addition to / instead of comments

Brad Cox <bcox@virtualschool.edu> writes:

> Unit tests are inspection gauges, used to test manufactured goods for spec 
> compliance FROM THE BUILDER's point of view. They aren't built-in because 
> manufacturers realize that theirs is only view that matters. In a mature
> system, EVERYBODY has a view as to whether goods are acceptable, which 
> they often formalize by building independent gauges. 

Brad:

True - but nothing precludes doing this too. I'm just thinking that if
unit tests document the usage of the method, then keeping them close to
the method would be useful.


Dave