test-driven-development

The RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle is a test-driven development workflow where you write a failing test, implement the minimal code to pass it, and then refactor with confidence. It enforces test-first development and guards against untested features.

To enforce a test-first development workflow, write a failing test first, implement only enough code to pass, refactor, run the full test suite, and commit with a descriptive message. This structured workflow prevents unseen regressions and design flaws.

Test-driven development requires no external tooling beyond standard testing practices. It applies across languages and project sizes, guiding teams through when to write tests, implement code, and perform cleanup in a structured workflow.

You should write tests for new behaviors before implementing code during software implementation. This quality gate requires tests upfront to prevent unseen regressions, ensuring you refactor with confidence only after the minimal code passes.

Writing tests first improves code quality by acting as a quality gate that requires tests for new behaviors. This test-driven approach prevents unseen regressions and design flaws, driving disciplined RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycles for feature implementation.

The RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle applies to any development task across languages and project sizes. It guides teams through writing failing tests, implementing minimal code, and refactoring without relying on external tooling beyond standard testing practices.