In software development, requirements, code, and tests may form the backbone of our activities. Requirements, specifications, user stories, and the like are essentially a way to depict what we want to develop. The implemented code represents what we’ve actually developed. Tests are a measure of how confident we are that we’ve built the right features in the right way. These elements, intertwined yet distinct, represent the essential building blocks that drive the creation of robust and reliable software systems. However, navigating the relationships between requirements, code implementation, and testing can often prove challenging, with complexities arising from varying perspectives, evolving priorities, and resource constraints.
In this article, we delve into the symbiotic relationship between requirements, code, and tests, exploring how Venn diagrams serve as a powerful visual aid to showcase their interconnectedness. From missed requirements to untested code, we uncover many scenarios that can arise throughout the SDLC. We also highlight questions that may arise and how Venn diagrams offer clarity and insight into these dynamics.