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Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product are of quality?

I really wanted to post a poll but apparently I don't have enough karma. =|

Curious what processes/techniques software companies use to make sure their codebase and by extension product remain good quality. Stuff like extensive code reviews, comprehensive unit tests, manual testing, pair programming, etc. - or do you just move fast and break stuff?

( 3 comments | 3 points | on HN )
Re:Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product... by michaelpinto on Friday April 22, 2011 @04:10AM (#2473540)
I know I'm old school, but having a set period for QA is just as important as having a spec. I always avoid having the coders test their own code, otherwise that's like having a writer proofread their own copy.
Re:Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product... by daviddavis on Friday April 22, 2011 @06:46AM (#2473709)
We use a three prong attack that has really boosted our code quality:

1. Automated unit tests AND behavior driven tests (outside-in testing)

2. Having the code checked by another developer by doing a code review or pair programming

3. Week of hardening where the code is tested by the project manager/business analyst/QA person

I really think that helps to cover all bases. Clients sometimes think it's overkill but it's much easier to fix a bug the earlier it's caught.

Re:Ask HN: How does your company ensure its code and product... by mborromeo on Friday April 22, 2011 @11:45AM (#2474415)
Automated unit test, BDD and static code analysis