Authors
Margaret Burnett & Gregg Rothermel
Abstract
The "What You See Is What You Test" (WYSIWYT) methodology is a new approach to software engineering in highly visual problem-solving environments such as spreadsheets. The methodology is designed to support end users as well as more sophisticated developers.
It integrates the knowledge of testing and debugging procedures into such an environment, to allow a user to become more effective at testing and debugging, even without prior training in software engineering principles.
The WYSIWYT methodology has already been integrated into the research spreadsheet language Forms/3. Here are a few scenarios illustrating how it might look if integrated into commercial spreadsheet packages.
Sample
Example:
- (a) shows a mock-up of a popular spreadsheet package if enhanced by the WYSIWYT technology: All cells containing formulas are initially red, meaning untested.
- (b) Whenever the user makes a decision that some data value is correct, she checks it off. The checkmark appears in the cell she explicitly validated, and all the borders of cells contributing to that correct value become more tested (closer to pure blue). This example has such simple formulas, only the two colors red and blue are needed.
- (c) The user changes the formula in line 4 to a constant. This change causes affected cells to be considered untested again.
Publication
1999, Working paper, Oregon State University
Full article
Applying a "What You See Is What You Test" (WYSIWYT) technology to commercial spreadsheet packages
