test-driven-development

To enforce a test-first development cycle, you must mandate a failing test before any production code modification. This strict test-driven development approach ensures every behavior change is backed by a failing test and a clear verification path.

The RED GREEN REFACTOR process requires writing a failing test (RED), implementing the minimal code to pass it (GREEN), and safely improving the code structure (REFACTOR). This cycle ensures high-quality, verified code changes for feature implementation and bug fixes.

Yes, you can use test-driven development for behavior-preserving refactors. Within established workflows, the test-first discipline applies to refactoring by ensuring existing tests verify that structural code changes do not alter the original software behavior.

Test-driven development integrates seamlessly with systematic debugging workflows to provide mid-loop discipline for behavior-changing tasks. It ensures that complex bug fixes are verified by mandating a failing test case before implementing the minimal fix.

Writing a failing test before production code prevents the pitfall of implementing features without verifying requirements. It establishes a strict verification path, ensuring that every behavior change is evidence-based and reliably tested through the TDD cycle.