From: Piergiuliano Bossi <p_bossi_AGAINST_SPAM@...>
Date: 2004-02-26T19:14:52+09:00
Subject: language contest ==> unit test framework from lisp to ruby

A few days ago I made a post (rubytalk:92963 ==> [2]) about the 
development of a mini-framework in ruby related to unit testing and 
inspired by Peter Seibel [1]. Unfortunately, I have got no comments 
about it.

Anyway, after some feedback on another mailing list from Gabriele Renzi, 
I have come up with the following version:

**********************CUT HERE**********************
def stack
     caller[3..-1].map {|m| m[/test_.*(?=')/]}.compact.reverse.join " "
end
def check(*tests)
     tests.map! {|t| puts "#{(v=eval(t)) ? 'pass' : 'FAIL'} ... 
(#{stack}) #{t.strip}"; v}
     combine_results(*tests)
end
def combine_results(*tests)
     tests.inject {|t1, t2| t1 && t2}
end

def test_plus
     check(
         "1 + 2 == 3",
         "1 + 2 + 3 == 6",
         "-1 + -3 == -4")
end
def test_multiply
     check(
         "2 * 2 == 4",
         "3 * 5 == 15")
end

def test_aritmetic
     combine_results(
         test_plus,
         test_multiply)
end

def test_math
     test_aritmetic
end

result = test_math
puts "result=#{result}"
**********************CUT HERE**********************

As you can see, my ruby version looks more compact and more easily 
undestandable to my non-lisper eyes than Seibel's version.

I have challenged a few friends to build the most compact version of the 
framework. There's a perl fan, a few ruby guys and a smalltalker in the 
arena.
Constraints:
*) the framework should express same functionality as Seibel's version 
as much as possible, nothing more, nothing less, given the peculiar 
limitations of the chosen language
*) code should be "understandable" by the majority of participants
*) if a line is longer than 70 chars then it is automatically splitted
*) the program with the smallest amount of lines is the champion

My version is 10 lines long, +1 for a line longer than 70 chars = 11, 
but I don't really participate, I'm the judge (wow!) and I'm financing 
the prize (some food, I think, probably pizza).

A ruby guy has already anticipated that he has reached a version which 
is only 5 lines long. Inspired and challenged by his words I have come 
up with another version that based on the definition above is only 5 
lines long too:

**********************CUT HERE**********************
def check(*tests)
     stack = caller.map {|m| m[/\w*(?=')/]}.compact.reverse.join " "
     tests.inject(true) {|ret, t| puts "#{(v=eval(t)) ? 'pass' : 'FAIL'} 
.... (#{stack}) #{t.strip}"; ret && v}
end
**********************CUT HERE**********************

Doing this way there is no need of combine_results method, and several 
tests may be combined in one method simply using '&&' (or 'and') like 
the following:

**********************CUT HERE**********************
def test_aritmetic
         test_plus &&
         test_multiply
end
**********************CUT HERE**********************

Contest deadline is next Monday, 1st of March.
I'll let you know the results, of course, but I'm curious to have your 
early feedback too, if possible.
Ciao, Giuliano


[1] - http://tinyurl.com/2b99d
[2] - http://blade.nagaokaut.ac.jp/cgi-bin/scat.rb/ruby/ruby-talk/92963
-- 
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