Articles

A selection of articles by Sebastian Bergmann

The image shows the interior of a vehicle with a futuristic-looking control panel consisting of several orange and green seven-segment displays arranged one above the other, showing the date and time, flanked by metal plates, switches, cables and connectors, creating the impression of a time travel console.

October 7, 2025

From AmigaBASIC to AI

A personal journey from my first lines of BASIC on the Amiga to the question of how AI will shape the next generation of developers.

The image shows several people working together to assemble a puzzle made up of yellow pieces that form the shape of a light bulb. The light bulb typically symbolises an idea or innovation. The scene takes place on a wooden table, which also holds a cup of coffee, a glass of water, an open laptop and some documents. The people's hands are visible as they fit the puzzle pieces together, illustrating collaboration and teamwork.

September 1, 2025

Innovation through collaboration: The highlights of PHPUnit 12.3

Discover how collaboration with real-world developers has shaped the latest advancements in PHPUnit 12.3.

Workspace with various tools that are often used for precise manual work, model making or handicrafts

June 16, 2025

Psalm or PHPStan?

Psalm or PHPStan: which tool is the better choice for code analysis? Or is it worth combining both tools for maximum code quality?

A person wearing a backpack stands on a rocky ledge overlooking a range of green mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky.

June 8, 2025

30 Years of PHP, 25 Years of PHPUnit

I look back on 30 years of open source innovations.

Collaborative prioritisation of quality goals with LASR

May 10, 2025

ComoCamp 2025

I am thrilled by the inspiring workshops, exciting open space sessions and the uniquely open, collaborative atmosphere of ComoCamp.

August 25, 2024

SoCraTes 2024

SoCraTes has enriched and motivated me in a lasting way through inspiring discussions, exciting sessions on topics such as PHP, software testing, security and open-source funding, as well as the special, collaborative atmosphere.

Tool wall on which a variety of hand tools are neatly arranged

June 25, 2024

PHP_CodeSniffer or PHP-CS-Fixer?

Should PHP_CodeSniffer or PHP-CS-Fixer be used to get code "in shape"? Should both tools even be used together?

A man is sitting on a dune covered with dry grass. He appears pensive or perhaps even sad, as he rests his head on his arm with one hand while looking down.

March 22, 2024

PCOV or Xdebug?

Should you use PCOV or Xdebug to collect code coverage data? I give a personal answer.

The image shows a panoramic view of a harbour with a train on an elevated railway bridge in the foreground. On the left is a modern building with a striking glass façade, which is the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg. In the background, several ships and cranes can be seen, indicating port activity. The weather is cloudy but bright, suggesting late afternoon or early evening. The scene appears both calm and industrial.

March 11, 2024

PHPUnit Code Sprint: March 2024

I recollect my experience at the PHPUnit project's most recent code sprint.

The image shows a yellow diamond-shaped traffic sign with the black inscription

November 28, 2022

PHP 7: Security Support Ends. Now what?

Security support for PHP 7 has ended. What does this mean for you?

The image shows a cork notice board with a yellow sticky note attached to it with two red pins. The note has a stylised light bulb drawn on it, representing an idea or a flash of inspiration. The light bulb is surrounded by short lines symbolising rays of light, reinforcing the image of creative inspiration or a brainwave.

April 4, 2022

How I manage test fixture

I reflect on why I no longer write setUp() methods.

The image shows two people starting on a running track. In the foreground, a person in a red sports outfit is seen in the starting position for a sprint, ready to run. In the background, another person is also in the starting position. The image conveys a sporty and competitive moment on an outdoor athletics track in daylight, surrounded by trees and buildings.

August 2, 2021

Ready Or Not, Here It Comes

Is your software ready for PHP 8.1? Now is the time to find out.

April 21, 2021

Do not mock what you do not own

If you use abstractions you don't own, testing may be difficult.

The image depicts a tranquil seascape at sunset or sunrise. The water's surface reflects the warm colours of the sky, which glows in shades of orange, yellow, blue and violet. Several birds can be seen flying in the sky, creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The silhouettes of the birds stand out clearly against the colourful horizon, emphasising the vastness and tranquillity of the scene. In the background, a dark headland or coastline can be seen, completing the picture.

February 8, 2021

Migrating to PHPUnit 9

In the tension between backward compatibility and progress, a good developer experience must not be neglected.

The image shows a glass surface covered with fine water droplets or condensation. A large question mark has been painted or wiped onto this fogged-up glass. The background appears yellowish to greenish and blurred, so that the question mark clearly stands out as the central motif.

October 8, 2020

Caching makes everything faster. Right?

While working on PHPUnit, I encountered an interesting problem.

The image shows two chess pieces on a light, almost white background. The central piece, a black king, stands upright. Next to it lies another king – presumably white – on its side, apparently defeated. The scene appears minimalistic and focuses exclusively on this symbolic moment, which is often interpreted as representing victory and defeat.

July 6, 2020

Failing IT Projects

I explain how we can learn from failed IT projects.

The image shows an analogue wall clock with a yellow frame hanging on a white wall. The time is approximately 6:50 p.m. The clock face has a simple design and the background of the clock and the wall are white, giving the image a very minimalist look. There is a lot of empty space on the left, while the clock is located on the right side of the image.

June 5, 2020

Who wound the clock?

I explain why PHPUnit no longer looks at the clock.

The image shows a wooden sign with the word

February 21, 2020

PHPUnit: A Security Risk?

The long story of a security problem that should not have been one.

In the picture, a man in a suit is sitting outdoors at a table in front of a laptop. He has raised both hands in frustration and is looking up. His facial expression appears desperate or annoyed. The scene is set on an empty street with benches and buildings in the background. There is also a coffee cup on the table in front of him.

February 10, 2020

Help! My tests stopped working

Running tests at the touch of a button is a great thing. Updating the testing tool at the touch of a button also sounds promising – or perhaps not?

The image shows a concrete wall with a rough surface and visible horizontal lines and joints. Shadows fall on it, forming patterns, presumably from plants or leaves. The shadows create an interesting interplay of light and dark, giving the image a calm, natural atmosphere.

February 1, 2019

Blast from the Past

Package managers are worthwhile targets, even if no one uses them anymore. Background information on the breach of the PEAR infrastructure of the PHP project.

A young person with long brown hair looks thoughtful and slightly concerned, resting their chin on their hand against a teal background.

February 24, 2017

Testing keeps me from getting things done

Writing unit tests takes time. Is it really worth the effort?

February 15, 2017

The Death Star

I explain why using overly open version restrictions can lead to problems.

The image shows a yellow, diamond-shaped traffic sign with the large black lettering

December 31, 2016

PHP 5: Active Support Ends. Now what?

Active support for PHP 5 has ended. What does this mean for you?

The image shows a small group of four people sitting together in a bright, modern room. In the foreground, a man is sitting with his hand raised, as if he wants to ask a question or speak. The group's attention is focused on a person in the background who is standing in front of the large windows and appears to be speaking or giving a presentation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a meeting, seminar or training session.

February 5, 2016

Questioning Best Practices

Best practices are not set in stone and need to be questioned and then adapted, if need be, every once in a while.

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