# New Ticket Created by James Keenan # Please include the string: [perl #58990] # in the subject line of all future correspondence about this issue. # <URL: http://rt.perl.org/rt3/Ticket/Display.html?id=58990 >
We need a way to measure the extent to which Parrot's test suite covers the Parrot specification. Since the specification is expressed in words rather than code, a quantitative measurement of the "spec coverage" is unlikely. However, a visual representation of that coverage is possible and desirable. For example, HTML versions of the Parrot design documents might carry annotations which indicate which tests exercise the code described in particular paragraphs in the PDDs. The objective of this RT is to develop a specification for a new spec coverage mechanism. The specification, like other PDDs, should be written in Perl 5 POD. This specification should define key terms; it should not assume, for example, that everyone knows what a 'smartlink' is. It should describe the graphic appearance of the spec coverage mechanism and specify what functionality (e.g., 'mouse over') the functionality will have. While it should draw upon "prior art" where appropriate, it should not depend on a reader being previously familiar with, e.g., the Pugs implementation. The specification should also include a plan for testing the spec coverage mechanism, including both unit and functionality tests. A testing plan, in broad outline, should exist before any code is written. The code should be written in easily maintainable Perl 5 and documented in Perl 5 POD. Note: While the spec coverage mechanism will ultimately have to be written in Perl 5 POD, we should consider doing some early drafts on the Parrot wiki. Those readers of the list who want to work on this project should speak up as to whether this is a good way to proceed.
