rSpec Basics Peep Code is Out
July 8th, 2007
Topfunky has just released the first of a 3 part PeepCode series on rspec entitled rSpec Basics. I’ve gone through it myself and I am impressed.
I would recommend this for anybody who is just getting started with rspec and rails. As its title suggests, it covers the basics: a bit of BDD philosophy, getting things set up, writing simple examples, all the way through describing models.
As for advanced users, I’d recommend this to those of you who are interested in a few helpful tips and tricks. There is some material on the textmate bundles and integrating with growl. In fact, the approach to validating models is simple and pragmatic, and one that I suspect will become the standard in time.
The only constructive criticism I’d offer is that the discussion of the philosophy of the rspec team doesn’t recognize the roots of our philosophy in Test Driven Development. It seems to present writing focused examples, getting them to fail first, etc, as our idea. It is not. Just ask google.
Regardless, it is very exciting to see the beginnings of quality educational material on rspec and BDD emerging. Keep your eyes open in this space. I suspect there is quite a bit more on the horizon.
9 Responses to “rSpec Basics Peep Code is Out”
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July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Been waiting a while for it and glad it has now arrived. Should help with people wanting to get into BDD.
Can’t wait for the others.
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
“I suspect there is quite a bit more on the horizon.”
Perhaps a book from Mr. Astels? I suspect I would shed a tear of joy was such an announcement made.
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Would you shed a tear of any kind if such a book didn’t involve Mr. Astels, but did involve Mr. Hellesoy and yours truly?
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Is there a reference that would illustrate the differences you point out to help clarify for a RSpec newbie?
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Click on the google link in the blog post above. There are myriad links to info about Test Driven Development.
As for what makes BDD different from TDD, check out http://blog.daveastels.com/ and http://dannorth.net/ and http://blog.aslakhellesoy.com/. Those plus this blog should be enough to get you started.
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
~GG
I wish you could say as much for your book. Any possibility of a beta(ish)-book?
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
That is the plan, yes. Once we have a schedule you can expect some sort of announcement.
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
David Chelimsky,
I’m currently having a problem in the running autotest w/rSpec… would you mind emailing me so I could email you the problem? Thanks!
July 13th, 2008 at 06:06 AM
David Parker – please email the rspec-users list if you’re looking for this sort of help.
http://rubyforge.org/mail/?group_id=797