web developer & system programmer

coder . cl

ramblings and thoughts on programming...


integrating selenium and django

published: 12-12-2011 / updated: 12-12-2011
posted in: development, programming, python, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

As you know, using unit tests will only provide a testing over algorithms and low level interfaces. For a higher level approach, you have the automated testing suite that provides the Selenium, which provides you a test case API to be used in functional tests. If you want to automate functional tests under Django, you can use the selenium IDE to record your actions on the web site, and export them as test case instructions for the selenium API, which will run those tests as you in the web browser, or even other tools like Html Unit. This includes several browsers supported by the API, including a server that allows you to mount a test grid using various machines.

the ugly side of project management

published: 10-12-2011 / updated: 10-12-2011
posted in: development, programming, rants, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

The fact that many project managers and account managers are not able to handle milestones because many of them are not able to negotiate their schedules is real as the fact that without C — the language that Dennis Ritchie invented — we cannot have almost anything about the computer technologies that we know today. You as developer must assume that you should be leaded by people that is able to manage the schedule without falling in the need to use overtime and similar stuff, among including more developers into the project and requiring more resources.

the ugly side of software economics

published: 09-12-2011 / updated: 09-12-2011
posted in: development, programming, projects, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

The fact that many project managers are guided by the cheapest price and requiring «low profile» developers is generating a good percentage of software pieces that can be honoured with the most hilarious posts in The Daily WTF. Also some hiring head hunters which are not able to handle technical resumes because they have no idea about software development, is subject of some gags. No matter how good is a developer, if he does not place numerous times that cool technology which is subject of the job position posted on that prestigious newspaper, he will not be selected and probably that is not a good company where to work.

when to add unit tests?

published: 07-12-2011 / updated: 07-12-2011
posted in: development, programming, projects, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

When to add unit tests?. All depends on how are defined the requirements. If the requirements are well defined, you can add tests on every step in the development, doing evolutionary tests. But if you are working with dynamic methodologies like agile ones, you should add tests only once a requirement is correctly defined, otherwise you will be adding unit tests twice. So, each requirement should have its unit test suite as companion to check that the added feature is working properly.

choosing a technology

published: 05-12-2011 / updated: 05-12-2011
posted in: development, programming, projects, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

How did you choose the technology that you are using in your career?. You must carefully choose the technology that you will use. If you know a little about economics, you will be able to understand the fact that if supply increases and demand remains unchanged, then it leads to lower equilibrium price and higher quantity. So, if you use that technology that is sold as the ultimate fast and cheap development tool, you will be underpaid because the price will be lower due to its higher supply than other technologies.

programming practice 1991-c, part 1

published: 03-12-2011 / updated: 03-12-2011
posted in: development, haskell, programming, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

As you know I am learning Haskell and doing small exercises based on the ACM ICPC problem archive. I am using those problem sets as my Haskell practice. The task presented on the problem 1999-c is related to a small DSL which handles concurrency simulations, using two simple instruction called lock and unlock to switch between running and ready states. The DSL defined for this problem seems to be simple. I have used the Parsec Haskell package to build the language parser.

where to apply for a job?

published: 30-11-2011 / updated: 30-11-2011
posted in: development, programming, tips
by Daniel Molina Wegener

Probably you get delighted by some very nice spots about companies which are hiring new developers, wonderful job posts where you can see that Big Company is hiring new developers or people related to software development. Did you know the type of company where are you applying for a job? Do you know that company enough to ensure that you will be happy?. You should have some points in your mind before you apply for certain jobs, also you must analyze very well where are you applying. Here I bring you some pointers about what you should have in mind once you apply for a job.