This was a project that I started for the BBC application processs for their bbc software engineering graduate scheme. The task was to be given 8 blackjack scenarios and use my language of choice to test them and make them pass.

Within this project, I used the principles of test driven development that I'd learnt during my time with Manchester Codes (now Command Shift).

My language of choice was Javascript, using the node framework and testing with Jest. I did find this slightly harder than I expected as I had to almost learn blackjack again but through the prism of javascript.

//* Below is the readME provided by BBC*//

Blackjack Tech Test - Starter Code

This code is offered as a potential starting point for completing the BBC Software Engineering Graduate Scheme tech test. You do not have to use this starter code.

Getting started

• Ensure you can run the provided code.
  • If you have Python 3 installed:
    • Open a terminal window and navigate to the folder containing this README.
    • Type python3 blackjack.py
    • Look for a welcome message in the console.
  • If that doesn't work, check your setup and download Python 3 if needed:
    • https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/Download
• Ensure you can run the unit tests.
  • From the same terminal window, type python3 -m unittest discover test.
  • Python should find and run the one provided failing test.

Adding to the starter code

• A great place to start is by making that first test pass.
  • Clue- the provided Deck class has an array of cards, and it's empty!
• A TDD (test-driven development) approach can be useful:
  • write a failing test that describes what you want your code to do
    • e.g. 'a deck should have 52 cards'
  • modify the code that you're testing so that the test passes
    • e.g. the deck actually has 52 cards!
• You can add more test files:
  • keep them in the test/ directory
  • make sure they have filenames beginning with test
  • make sure test methods within those files also begin with test
• You can add more source files:
  • keep them in the src/ directory
• You can use any approach you want
  • The provided code hints at an object-oriented approach (since we have a Deck class)
  • if you wanted to extend this approach, you might want to create classes for Hand, Card, Dealer, etc.

Completing the task

• Remember, the task is to write code that accurately scores a hand of blackjack, not to make a whole game
• This means you don't need to have a running program to complete this test
  • You can just prove your code works with unit tests
• You can choose to make a running program that demonstrates that your code works
  • If you want to do this, you should extend the play method of blackjack.py
  • This method is the entry point when you do python3 blackjack.py.