On thePHP.cc site they have a new post that tries to refute a common claim from developers when it comes to testing: testing keeps me from getting things done. The post is a response to an email to the group about testing asking where the real value is in applications versus libraries/tools.

To successfully develop software means to work target-oriented. These targets should be derived from acceptance criteria that are reconciled with the business. Without clear targets – we mean at a task level, not project or annual targets – the developer runs the risk of getting lost in work. Most importantly, he does not know when he is done with a task.

It is prudent to document and verify acceptance criteria through automated tests. One way or another, the targets have to be defined before production code gets written. This is test-driven development, whether you want to call it that or not.

The response goes on to talk about how, with tests written after the code has already been written (legacy code), it's not always clear what the original intent was resulting in lost context. It also compares two of the main types of testing - integration and unit - and the place each has in an overall testing strategy.