Sebastian Bergmann

Develop PHP code with confidence:
Together we create trust through testing.

As the creator of PHPUnit, I show you and your team the clear path: Make your complex systems testable and release with real confidence.

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Creator of PHPUnit
3.5+ Million Users
25+ Years Experience
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Sebastian Bergmann

PHPUnit Creator Open Source Advocate Testing Expert International Speaker

"Hello, I'm Sebastian. I've been experiencing PHP for over 25 years and know exactly how the fear of legacy code and the associated frustration feels. It's my mission to help teams overcome these fears and enjoy developing again.

As the creator and main maintainer of PHPUnit, I offer you first-hand knowledge. My expertise, grown from decades of experience, numerous technical books, international talks, and my commitment as a founding member of the PHP Foundation, flows directly into our collaboration.

I live the open-source philosophy of shared learning and transparency. Together we create a testing culture that puts trust and confidence at the center."

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Sebastian Bergmann speaking at a conference

Do you know these challenges?

Many development teams struggle with the same problems when testing software

Fear of change: When every refactoring attempt becomes a risk.

Your team is paralyzed. The fear of unexpected errors in untested code is huge. Every change poses a risk, inhibits innovation and leads to stagnation. The feeling of shame about not understanding the code is omnipresent.

Trapped in the hamster wheel: When time pressure eats quality.

Under time pressure, tests are often treated as "nice-to-have", even though they would save time in the long run. Your team spends more time fixing bugs than developing new features. This leads to frustration and slower development.

The legacy code labyrinth: Complex dependencies paralyze you.

Tightly coupled code makes isolated tests difficult. Overview is lost, every change feels unsafe. Mocking and stubs appear as insurmountable hurdles.

Chaos instead of standard: Inconsistent testing practices in the team.

Every developer tests differently (or not at all). There's a lack of common strategy and standards in the team.

The solution: Practical continuing education

Training

Professional PHPUnit training directly from the creator

Test Automation with PHPUnit

Learn the basics of test automation with PHPUnit.

  • Install and configure PHPUnit
  • Write and run your first tests
  • Best practices for testing with PHPUnit
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Advanced PHPUnit

Deepen your knowledge and learn advanced techniques.

  • Master complex test scenarios
  • Use test stubs and mock objects
  • Optimize test suites
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Test-Driven Development

Develop software goal-oriented with TDD.

  • Understand and apply the TDD cycle
  • Practice test-first development
  • Refactor with confidence
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More Training

Discover my complete training program - from PHPUnit to Clean Code.

  • All training courses in German & English
  • Available online & in-house
  • Customized for your team
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My Philosophy: Testing is a Team Sport

I'm convinced: Outstanding software quality is not a coincidence, but the result of a shared culture. For me, testing is not an isolated phase, but the heartbeat of development.

This approach creates not only more robust products, but also more confident teams. When every developer feels safe to change code without fear of side effects, a dynamic emerges that promotes innovation. I give you the tools and mindset to establish this trust in your own codebase.

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What my customers say

Real voices from teams I've transformed

"We had the pleasure of working with Sebastian to train our teams. He did excellent work and we will certainly use his services again in the future."

Oliver Ratzesberger

Senior Director, eBay Inc.

"Sebastian helped us both through reviews of our codebase and through training for our team. New employees were able to transfer their skills to PHPUnit in no time."

Noah Sussmann

Test Architect, Etsy Inc.

"Sebastian's ability to prepare training content in individual formats has enabled us to use his comprehensive knowledge effectively and efficiently."

Kevin Howe

Development Manager, InstaClick Inc.

"The PHPUnit training on database testing was a real game changer for me. A clear recommendation for everyone working with sensitive data and wanting to take their testing strategy to the next level."

Training Attendee

Code testen, der mit der Datenbank spricht

"Sebastian and Stefan showed us how our developers can continuously deliver business value without being constrained by our legacy code."

Dave Rochwerger

Director Engineering, Trulia

"The energy in the workshops was incredibly impressive. The positive feedback from my team confirmed that the effort was a complete success."

Mike Depuy

Director of Software Engineering, Salesforce

Individual Consulting for Your Team

Tailored solutions directly in your project

We test your software together

Practical solutions for test automation based on problems directly from your own codebase.

Because in the long run, neither untested code nor manual tests are an option. Automation is indispensable. But how do you achieve it effectively?

In textbooks, test automation always sounds so simple, but real problem cases are rarely shown. Online resources offer a lot of material, but rarely concrete solutions for your project specifics.

In this training we take a different approach: We work in your project, on tests for your software. Together we develop practical approaches and implement the solutions directly. In the end, you take not only knowledge but working solutions with you.

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Do you have a different challenge?

Every project is unique. If you have a specific concern that is not listed here, we will find an individual solution.

  • Architecture & Code Reviews
  • Strategy workshops for test automation
  • Long-term team coaching
  • Individual tool development
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Insights

Learn from real projects and practical experiences

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

30 Years of PHP, 25 Years of PHPUnit

Sebastian Bergmann looks back on 30 years of open source innovations.

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

Testing keeps me from getting things done

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

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A sign reading "Private Property No Entry" stands in front of a large modern house with a wooden deck and glass railings in the background.
Article

Do not mock what you do not own

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

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Presentations & Talks

Material and recordings from conferences and events

Material
June 2025

Testable Database Interaction

You will learn best practices and design patterns that you can use to implement testable database interactions in your software projects and test them in a targeted manner without losing your mind.

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Video
June 2025

So you think you know PHPUnit

I take you on a journey of discovery to the hidden depths and little-known possibilities of PHPUnit, so you can get even more out of the tool you use every day.

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Video
November 2024

PHPUnit 10-12: What to know & what to forget

Everything you need to know about PHPUnit 10-11 and how to prepare for PHPUnit 12. Plus: What you can safely forget.

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Let's talk about your project

Whether you're just starting with testing or have a complex legacy system - we'll find the right solution for your team.

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30-minute free initial consultation

Book a direct appointment for a non-binding consultation. We'll discuss your challenges and find the best solution together.

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Fast help in urgent cases

Book a paid emergency appointment (60 minutes) to receive immediate support.

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