test-driven-development

Test-driven development prevents regressions by requiring you to write a failing test that reproduces the bug before implementing the fix, ensuring the new code passes the test and safeguards existing behavior.

The red-green-refactor cycle in test-driven development involves writing a failing test, implementing the minimal code to pass it, and then refactoring the codebase to improve design while maintaining passing tests.

To start writing tests first for a new feature, define a failing test that specifies the desired behavior, then implement the minimal logic required to make that test pass.

Yes, you can apply test-first workflows to refactoring existing code by establishing tests that verify current behavior before making changes, ensuring the refactor does not introduce regressions.

Use the test pyramid in unit testing to guide the distribution of tests across your codebase, promoting a larger base of fast unit tests and fewer high-level tests to ensure maintainable and reliable software.

Test-driven development works across any codebase because it establishes a universal test-first workflow that guides software implementation and design without depending on specific frameworks or languages.