test-driven-development

Test-driven development requires writing a failing test before any implementation code. The Red-Green-Refactor cycle guides you through writing a failing test, creating minimal code to pass it, and then refactoring for clarity and efficiency.

Start writing failing tests by defining the expected behavior of your new feature as an executable specification. Write a test that fails, implement the minimal code required to make it pass, and then refactor the implementation to ensure code quality.

Yes, you can use test-driven development for bug fixes and refactoring existing code. Mandate the creation of a failing test that reproduces the bug or verifies current behavior before applying any code changes to prevent regressions.

The best way to prevent regressions in agile software development is enforcing test-driven development. By mandating failing tests prior to writing implementation code, you document behavior through executable specifications and ensure continuous code reliability.

Prior testing experience is not explicitly required, but understanding strict testing principles is necessary. The intermediate implementation depth guides you through the TDD methodology, making it accessible for developers seeking to improve code quality and enforce regression prevention.

You should not use test-driven development when exploring experimental code spikes or rapid prototyping where behavior is undefined. TDD requires clear behavioral specifications to write failing tests first, making it less suitable for early exploratory phases lacking defined requirements.