I'm just a hack

Or least I used to be. I'm defining a hack as someone who writes legacy code. I'm defining legacy code as code without automated testing, i.e. code not developed using TDD.

I've finally reached the point where I don't feel comfortable writing code that isn't fixing a test. No red bar, no write new code. Which is good, except for I catch myself just wanting to add some small feature quickly. The ensuing mental battle is entertaining to step back and watch:

Me want add new feature, just start writing code

Excuse me, what do you think your doing?

Adding new feature. It simple, no need testing.

But you don't have a red bar.

Must have new feature now. Instant gratification desired.

Give us a red bar first.

But..Oh...feature...just...type...arrgh.... <sigh>

That's more like it.


It sucks to some degree, because of the old habits of just doing. But in the long run, I believe that I will be going slower without the tests. Time will tell.