Abstract

Getting tests right is of course of huge importance.

The structure and maintenance of OO test classes is not dis-similar to that of production classes; the importance of their upkeep is certainly similar as well. In the case of both test and production classes, which refactorings should be applied and when are of importance to ensuring that they both evolve in terms of their quality. In this talk, I will describe recent empirical industrial research which explores the problems and issues associated with refactoring both types of class from a defect perspective. The conclusions do not make for particularly optimistic reading in some respects, but reason for optimism can be seen in a number of other senses. As well as describing our results we also point to issues that will become increasingly important in the future and draw on current literature in the area.