test-driven-development

Test-driven development is a workflow where you write a failing test first, implement the minimal code to pass it, and then refactor while keeping tests green. This cycle drives incremental development and ensures safe refactoring.

To fix bugs using a test-first workflow, you write a focused test that captures the intended behavior and fails with the current code, then implement the fix to make that test pass, ensuring the bug is validated and documented.

Yes, test-driven development applies to new features, bug fixes, and refactors across typical projects. It enforces a test-first workflow that drives feature implementation and validates safe refactoring by keeping tests green.

A test-first development approach replaces guesswork with failing tests that guide design and implementation. It improves team discipline, software design, documentation, and shipping confidence by validating intent before code is written.

The best way to start a test-first approach is to write a failing test for the exact desired behavior, then implement the minimum code required to make that test pass, and finally refactor the code while maintaining green tests.

Test-driven development requires writing tests before implementation, which may slow initial feature delivery. It enforces strict discipline and focuses on unit testing, which may not capture integration issues or guarantee overall software quality without additional testing layers.