Overview
What this challenge is about.
Drive characterization tests for an untested B2B logistics pricing engine. Hit 90% coverage, log bugs, and deliver a test suite. Earn a verifiable certificate.
The scenario
The logistics SaaS (around 4,000 paying shippers, sub-second quote SLA) cannot regress quotes — a single mispriced lane costs an enterprise client and a refund.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Build a characterization-test safety net for a 7-year-old untested pricing engine that pins current behavior at 90 percent coverage before any refactor touches the code.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Distinguish characterization tests from specification tests in legacy contexts
- Generate representative input vectors from production data without leaking PII
- Apply Approval Tests-style snapshot assertions where output shape is complex
- Report bugs separately from tests so the team can choose what to fix
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Refactoring and Code Smell Detection
Master · Software Engineering
Strong alignment
This challenge maps to Refactoring and Code Smell Detection at the Master level. It sharpens the same practical skills your coursework expects — but in a real industry context with actual constraints and deliverables.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
- Characterization Tests
Apply characterization tests to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Approval Testing
Apply approval testing to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Legacy Code
Apply legacy code to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Refactoring
Apply refactoring to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Test Coverage
Apply test coverage to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Python Programming
Apply python programming to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
Careers
Career paths this challenge builds toward
Completing this challenge demonstrates skills that transfer directly to these roles: