test-driven-development

Test-driven development is enforced by requiring tests before production code, guiding teams through the red-green-refactor cycle. This workflow applies to feature development and bug fixes, ensuring behavior is verified from the start.

The red-green-refactor cycle in test-driven development means writing a failing test, implementing minimal production code to pass it, then refactoring for clarity and maintainability. This iterative process shapes API design and fosters smaller, decoupled software components.

To write tests first for a new feature, start by writing a failing test defining the desired behavior, implement minimal code to pass, then refactor for quality. This provides fast feedback and reduces development risk.

Yes, design-driven testing in test-driven development shapes API design and fosters smaller, decoupled components. By forcing you to define behavior through tests before implementation, it naturally encourages better software architecture and maintainability.

Test-driven development is fully applicable to bug fixes, guiding teams from red tests to green implementations. You write a failing test reproducing the bug, implement the fix to pass the test, and validate changes with automated tests to prevent regressions.

Test-driven development might not be suitable when immediate feature delivery outweighs long-term quality assurance, as it forces tests before implementation. However, skipping it risks missing requirements and introducing buggy code without fast feedback.