Agile for Embedded Training Course (updated Feb 21 see news)

One of the core Agile Practices is Test-Driven Development (TDD). For most software engineers TDD challenges the traditional approach to software development and testing (test-after-construction). TDD changes this model by using a Test-First approach.

However, almost all current books and training on TDD ignore the challenges of applying it in an embedded systems environment. Aspects such as testing on the target, hardware dependency and managing both host and cross-compiler toolchains are generally ignored or over-simplified. In addition almost all are based on an object-oriented language, such as Java or C++ rather than C.

The course covers testing embedded C software across host, emulated and target environments.

Attendees perform practical TDD exercises based on real-world embedded requirements.

The course utilises the C based test framework Unity and CMock for test doubles.

Course objectives:

• To understand the principles of Test-Driven Development
• How to select a suitable test framework for C development
• To identify the required toolset to support TDD beyond the test framework
• The boundary between host-based testing and target-based testing
• The challenges and pitfalls of applying TDD to an embedded system

Delegates will learn:

• How to practice Test-Driven Development
• The use of C based test harnesses for embedded systems
• API and Integration testing using test doubles (CMock)
• The importance of architectural design to practical TDD
• What TDD doesn't address

Pre-requisites:

• Attendees should have a good working knowledge of the C language.
• Understand the build process (preprocessor-compiler-linker-executable)

Who should attend:

The course is designed for software engineers working on an embedded C project.

The target audience is engineers working in, or looking to move to, an Agile project environment (e.g. Scrum) and who want practical experience of using TDD for a real embedded system.

Duration:

Three days

Course materials:

• Delegate manual
• Delegate workbook
• Delegate bootable Linux data-key with all tools installed

Course workshop:

Approximately 50% of the course is given over to practical work.
The exercises use challenging real-world embedded problems with real-life code. Exercises cover code structuring and testing legacy code.