Programming can often seem like a daunting impenetrable world, with this challenge you will control a ‘Robo Dummy’, through a series of 4 challenges. The aim of this session is to learn coding techniques through teamwork as you direct Robo Dummy using code blocks across 4 scenarios. Each scenario gets a little more complicated and requires the use of new code blocks for you to complete the task. It is important to work as a team and test out your approach as you will only get one opportunity to supply your completed code to the Robo Dummy.
Instructions:
Each scenario has an example programme which can be given to the Robo Dummy to run a maximum of 2 times. So, use it wisely.
Scenario 1 Fancy A Coffee (10 minutes)
Direct the Robo Dummy to get a cup of Coffee from the table.
-
Pick up the Coffee
-
Return to his starting position
-
Put the coffee down
Scenario 2 Dealing with Obstacles
Life is never easy for Robo Dummy. This time we need to be able to turn away from other dummies.
-
Once again get Robo Dummy to pick up the Coffee
-
Use the new blocks supplied to get him to walk to the other dummies before turning.
-
If that went well bring back the Coffee
-
Put the Coffee down
Scenario 3 Those pesky commuters
Someone has dropped a rucksack in Robo Dummy’s way.
-
How can we make Robo Dummy negotiate this new obstruction on his way to the tasty beverage?
-
You should have some new blocks that will Robo Dummy to take evasive action and help him make decisions
-
Use the new blocks to help Robo Dummy overcome the new obstacle
Scenario 4 Life can be hard for dummies
Someone is determined to keep Robo Dummy away from the Coffee
-
Robo Dummy now has two obstacles to overcome
-
Robo Dummy also now has an additional skill that allows him to determine the type of obstacle he faces
-
Use these new blocks to help Robo Dummy defeat the Coffee obstacle course one more time
Wrap-up:
Coding can seem daunting and often impenetrable to those of us who have not done automation, it can even be daunting for those that have. Visualising programming and using a simple pseudocode language such as the one used here in a real life scenario can help us to make more sense of it. Doing this with teams and learning together is also a great way of learning how to code and test that code, making us better, more effective testers.
Key Takeaways:
-
Understand basic concepts of coding
-
Know how flow of control in a programme works
-
Gain an insight into how code can be created and tested
-
Working closely with each other improves understanding and outcomes.
Resources:
-
Trinket: https://trinket.io/