test-driven-development

The red-green-refactor cycle in test-driven development is a workflow where you write a failing test, implement minimal code to pass it, and then refactor for quality. This enforces continuous validation and incremental improvements.

To start writing unit tests before production code, write a failing test for the desired behavior first. Then implement the minimal production code required to make that test pass before refactoring.

Yes, test-driven development helps with safe code refactoring by proving behavior is correct from the start. Validating code changes with tests reduces regression risk and ensures safe, incremental improvements.

You should write a failing test before implementing a feature to enforce test-first discipline. This reduces defects, ensures verifiable progress, and validates that the production code meets the desired behavior immediately.

Yes, you can use test-driven development for both feature development and bug fixes. The test-first workflow promotes reliable upgrades and verifiable, incremental progress across all code changes.

A strict test-first workflow requires writing minimal, verifiable implementations, which may slow down initial feature delivery. However, this discipline reduces regression risk and ensures continuous validation throughout the project.