Test Driven Development - My First Kata

So we'eve been doing some test driven development at work but not enough to really feel as though I'm getting the most out of it. To improve my ability to write good unit tests and become a TDD star I've decided to start completing some coding Kata's. A term I've picked up recently from the Uncle Bob's Clean Code series of books.

Kata

Kata is a Japanese word that is used for a concept used in Martial Arts. The term refers to a repetitive exercise or pattern of movements that is used as a training technique for Martial Arts.

So how does this apply to programming?

Well the terminology has taken off quite a bit and there are now multiple Coding Dojo sites around that will have a list of different Kata's that a programmer can pick up and start using as a exercise to improve their coding.

Personally I'm using the Kata's as an opportunity to test myself using techniques such as TDD or to practice picking up a new language without resorting to some of the boring example programs.

Minesweeper Kata

So the Kata I'm taking up is a recreate of the level generation for the Minesweeper game was on the early Windows Machines. You can take a look at the Kata here.

So the main things I'm trying to achieve from this are:

• Improve my Test Driven Development (TDD) skills
• Refresh myself using C#, in particular using Monogame as I haven't used it before.

The Monogame work will actually be an extension, I will first be completing the Kata as is and then extending it using Monogame to add some Visual appeal to it.

​Okay so that's it for now I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers