FitNesse

Based on FIT, and Ward Cunningham’s Framework for Integrated Tests, FitNesse is an open source software acceptance testing tool. In addition to being a software testing tool, FitNesse is also a wiki and a web server. This web-based framework allows and promotes better collaboration between programmers and testers, using acceptance testing and Test-Driven Development (TDD). For test development, FitNesse uses a format, picked by the client, for testers to enter the desired test steps. FitNesse then automatically creates the test in Java, .NET, C++, Delphi, Python, Ruby, Smalltalk, or Perl, again based on the client’s needs. This format allows for exceptional beginner-friendliness for individuals with no programming experience, but may limit the amount of functions available for testing. The wiki, which allows for subwiki’s and easy page editing, gives great flexibility for tests to be created, grouped, stored, and run in almost any combination.

Together, the flexibility of the wiki, and the ease of test engineering makes FitNesse an outstanding software for Automation Excellence. AE uses FitNesse for a number of its clients to meet the needs of high ROI value test automation in Agile development. AE has often customized FitNesse Fixtures to run QTP, Citrix, .Net, Java, C#, HTTP and other common development languages directly on the wiki pages. FitNesse is a great value in today’s complexity of multi-tier systems. Building test first user stories, integrated with UI and database Fixtures, is also a great way to cut down on development costs.