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Tests as data: ensuring AI-generated code does what we want

Matteo Vaccari published an article on martinfowler.com proposing that acceptance tests be stored as data rather than test code so they can define expectations for AI-generated software. Separating those expectations from the test runner, Vaccari argues, makes them easier to review and protects them from unwanted changes by coding agents.

by read1 min views3 publishedNov 15, 2026
Tests as data: ensuring AI-generated code does what we want
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                [martinfowler.com](https://martinfowler.com/articles/tests-as-data.html)
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                [Edit](https://freek.dev/admin/posts/3223/edit)

Matteo Vaccari explains how readable acceptance tests, stored as data rather than test code, can define what we expect from AI-generated software. Separating those expectations from the test runner makes them easier to review and protect from unwanted changes by coding agents.

                        [Read more](https://martinfowler.com/articles/tests-as-data.html)
[martinfowler.com]
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