test-driven-development

Test-driven development is a workflow where you write a failing test, implement minimal production code to pass it, and then refactor while preserving behavior. This red-green-refactor cycle drives development through lightweight tests to ensure correct behavior before coding.

Start writing unit tests using a test-first workflow by creating a failing test that captures the expected behavior for your new feature. Then implement the minimal production code required to turn that failing test green before refactoring.

You should apply TDD for bug fixes and refactoring to expose intended behavior through failing tests before changing production code. This test-first approach provides guardrails that prevent untested changes and clarify requirements during software development.

Test-driven development prevents over-engineering by enforcing a test-first workflow that requires writing real tests that fail initially. It provides guardrails to keep tests green after minimal production code and avoid untested changes across software projects.

Writing tests first reduces repetitive debugging by enforcing a test-first workflow that clarifies unclear requirements upfront. Exposing intended behavior through initially failing tests eliminates ambiguous specifications and prevents defects early.