Koodikatteet

Koodikatteet, often translated as code coverage, is a metric used in software development to measure the percentage of source code that is executed by a set of automated tests. It provides an indication of how thoroughly the codebase has been tested. High code coverage does not automatically guarantee bug-free software, but low coverage suggests that certain parts of the application may not be tested at all, increasing the risk of undiscovered defects.

Tools exist for various programming languages that analyze the source code and track which lines, branches, or functions are executed during test runs. These tools then generate reports, often in the form of visual aids like heatmaps, highlighting areas of high and low coverage. Developers can use these reports to identify untested code sections and write new tests to improve coverage.

The interpretation of code coverage metrics can vary. While 100% coverage might seem like an ideal goal, it can be impractical or even counterproductive in some situations. For instance, testing highly stable, well-understood, or external library code might offer diminishing returns. The focus is generally on achieving a reasonable level of coverage for critical application logic and new features, rather than a strict numerical target. Ultimately, code coverage is one of many tools in a developer's arsenal for ensuring software quality.