I have a data source (it’s a spread sheet). I want to test that my system reads it in properly and that the model is populated properly. Like a good object should, my key object knows how to populate itself from a Worksheet Object or a File. It’s the reading of the sheet I want to test. How can I do this without breaking the law of Demeter? I.e. without exposing the state of the object to the test client (Fit and NUnit in this case) via getters?

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When I started to write my blog I was really happy to have 46 readers in the first month (even though Mike Berry would have re-logged on about 44 times). However, I was pleasantly surprised to watch the statistics change every month. Now, I just checked the statistics again and I have reached a significant milestone... 11,618 visitors in July with a whopping two pages per visit. So, for everyone who keeps dropping back, thank you. I am working on some interesting things now, so hopefully you will keep coming back for more.

Thanks, Jamie.

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Everyone knows I am a big fan of TDD. But, the truth is that I am really in love with beautifully designed software***. To this end, TDD is useful. It forces you to think about interactions between objects and the different dependencies. The fact that you get an automated suite of tests is a simple, but valuable, bonus. The process of TDD is a formalisation of the way many good programmers think. I used to sketch my assertions on a bit of paper (non-lined) and then check the programs output. When I was 20 I started messing around with test programs, as a way of automation.

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Some customers are very capable; some do not have much money; some only need re-assuring. For these customers I use what I call the Doctor model. This has got nothing to do with Brooke's surgical team (which is also a very valid idea). The Doctor model of consulting works a bit like this "take these two pills and give me a call in the morning". I give advice and come back every now and again to see how they are getting on. I also provide interactive support via Skype, email and phone.

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I was at a talk tonight about JQuery. And, I have to say it was excellent. The JQuery talk was proceeded by a Javeline talk. Which, I have to say, was also excellent. One thing that popped us was the term "progressive enhancement". This is a simple term, more than well explained out there in internet land. Google it for more details.

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I was watching Michael Moore’s Sicko last night. One British doctor got a bonus for the amount of patients he could get to stop smoking or who he could get to reduce their blood pressure. However, in America, doctors who worked at the insurance companies were rewarded for the amount of claims they turned down. Now, I am not making a judgment against the Americans, I am sure there are things done better there than in Europe. But, the point I want to make is that human beings will always work toward their defined success criteria.

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Ibiza and Jamie Gets Interviewed

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I am very proud to announce that Dobson Coaching and Consulting are helping finance the first ever Dutch International Touch Rugby Team. A few years ago myself and some friends started playing Touch Rugby on the Museumplein and in the Beatrix Park (Amsterdam). Over the years the competition became very fierce and now we have a very healthy group of more than fifty players.

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