test-driven-development

The test-driven development workflow enforces writing a failing test before implementing code, ensuring correctness. It follows the Red-Green-Refactor cycle to validate expected behavior across feature development, bug fixes, and refactors.

To start writing unit tests, define a failing test that validates the intended feature or bugfix behavior. Then implement the minimal code required to pass the test, followed by lightweight refactoring to maintain quality.

Use the Red-Green-Refactor cycle during feature development, bug fixes, and refactors to prevent unvalidated production changes. It catches defects early and ensures regression safety by validating expected behavior before implementation.

Test-first development applies to both small and large software projects to improve maintainability and documentation. It guides teams to compose meaningful tests that validate expected behavior, increasing confidence in releases.

Writing failing tests before production code helps teams catch defects early and design better software. This test-first approach prevents unvalidated changes, ensuring code correctness and regression safety throughout the project.

Lightweight refactoring discipline in TDD involves cleaning up code after passing the failing test. It ensures the codebase remains maintainable without altering the validated behavior established during the Red-Green phases.