test-driven-development

Test-driven development reduces bugs by enforcing the Red-Green-Refactor cycle, requiring you to write failing tests before implementing production code. This discipline ensures regression safety and validates behavior with automated tests during feature additions and refactors.

The Red-Green-Refactor cycle in TDD requires writing a failing test that captures a single behavior, implementing the minimal production code to pass the test, and progressively refactoring while keeping the tests green.

To start writing unit tests using TDD, write a failing test that captures a single behavior, implement the smallest code required to pass the test, run the tests, and progressively refactor the production code while maintaining green tests.

Yes, you can apply TDD to bug fixes and refactoring to ensure regression safety. By writing an automated test that captures the expected behavior before fixing or refactoring, you isolate testing and prevent future regressions.

Automated tests serve as executable specs that document software behavior in software engineering. By isolating testing through the Red-Green-Refactor cycle, tests act as clear documentation, enabling safer maintenance and regression validation.

Test-driven development requires strict adherence to writing minimal production code and maintaining the Red-Green-Refactor cycle. It may slow initial feature development speed, but it reduces bugs and ensures regression safety during future maintenance and refactoring.