dev@jax-ws.java.net

Re: JAX-WS project structure

From: Marek Potociar <Marek.Potociar_at_Sun.COM>
Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2006 12:47:27 +0200

Kohsuke Kawaguchi wrote:
>>> I think the current and proposed JAX-WS test set up satisfies this
>>> need. Tests are run fairly quickly enough after a commit is made, so
>>> we do enjoy most of the benefits of what you describe.
>> There are several caveats though:
>> 1. you have to commit to find out that something went wrong.
>> 2. with 'general' tests not focused on low level testing you are not
>> able to discover all problems. You just test most common high level
>> scenarios that came to your mind when you designed your tests. But
>> that does not necessarily ensure that you also fully test the
>> intended API behavior.
>> 3. writing real unit tests (I really want to emphasize the difference
>> between a test and a unit test) helps you also understand better the
>> requirements placed on your API.
>> 4. unit tests allow others a good starting point when trying to
>> discover what your API does and what is its intended use. You cannot
>> cover that much detail by any document nor by any higher-level test.
> I appreciate you took time to educate us.
:)) ...sorry, preaching to you about the unit tests was not my
intention. I just believe, that it is better to support one's position
with a reasoning.

But let me reiterate back to the original topic. JAX-WS RI is an open
source project - there is no question about it. However, at the same
time, JAX-WS RI is developd by SUN. It was very disappointing to realize
(after checking out the sources from CVS) that the NB project
configuration is broken. It sends a strange message to the outside. Big
IT companies usually enforce in their offices the use of in-house
developed software. So while I believe that diversity in general is a
great idea, but particularly in this field, the diversity is a problem IMHO.

So one thing is fixing a NB project setup, which is important, but not a
big deal. The other important part is hidden behind the lines. And if
somebody thinks that I do not know the difference of user experience
with Idea and with NB, let me remind that I joined SUN only several
months ago. However since then, I file RFEs, bugs and I am pleased if
something gets improved because of my input. And this is not about NB
only - it's about all SW products. I already realized that it will take
time for all SUN developers to adopt this idea. Looking forward to that day.

Marek

-- 
Marek Potociar
Web Technologies & Standards
Sun Microsystems Czech