What
Static testing, also known as non-execution technique, involves examining the code, requirement documents, and design documents to identify errors. This testing method is performed without actually executing the code. It focuses on improving the quality of software products by finding errors in the early stages of the development cycle.
Why
Static testing plays a crucial role in the software development process because it helps detect and prevent errors in software code that might not be detected during dynamic testing. By identifying and fixing issues early, it reduces the cost of error detection in later stages of development, enhancing overall productivity.
How
Static testing can be performed using various tools like ESLint, TypeScript, and Prettier which help in maintaining code quality and standards.
ESLint
What
ESLint is a pluggable and configurable linting tool for identifying and reporting patterns in JavaScript. It's used to find problematic patterns or code that doesn’t adhere to certain style guidelines.
Why
ESLint is beneficial as it can catch mistakes and inconsistencies in your code before execution. It helps in maintaining a consistent coding style and makes the code more readable and maintainable.
How
ESLint can be configured to use a predefined coding style, which can be set up in a configuration file. Once set up, it can be run against your JavaScript files to report any deviations from the defined standards.
TypeScript
What
TypeScript is a statically typed superset of JavaScript that adds optional types to JavaScript. It compiles to plain JavaScript and provides better performance, strong typing, and object-oriented programming features.
Why
TypeScript is beneficial as it can catch errors at compile-time, which JavaScript will only catch at run-time. It helps in maintaining large codebases and can significantly increase developer productivity by allowing better tooling and code navigation.
How
To use TypeScript, you should install it in your project, then create a TypeScript configuration file (tsconfig.json) where you can specify various settings and rules. The TypeScript code is then written in .ts files which are compiled to JavaScript using the TypeScript compiler.
Prettier
What
Prettier is an opinionated code formatter that enforces a consistent coding style. It supports many languages and integrates with most editors.
Why
Prettier helps in maintaining a uniform coding style across the project, irrespective of the number of contributors. It parses your code and reprints it with its own rules, taking care of the formatting.
How
Prettier can be set up in your project using the configuration file (.prettierrc). Once set up, you can use it to format your files from the command line, or automatically format your files on save using a prettier plugin in your editor.