Test-Driven Development

The red-green-refactor workflow in test-driven development is a fast feedback loop where you write a failing test, implement minimal code to pass it, then refactor for clarity. It enforces disciplined testing to catch issues early and drive clear requirements.

To start using Vitest for unit tests and Playwright for e2e testing, write a failing test for a specific feature, implement the minimal code required to pass that test, and finally refactor the implementation for clarity and maintainability.

You need test-driven development for software projects when adding new features, fixing bugs, or upgrading libraries. It prevents late defect discovery and missed design intent by enforcing test-first practices to ensure correctness and maintainability.

Yes, test-driven development works for both by distinguishing unit tests for pure logic using Vitest and end-to-end tests for user flows using Playwright. It aligns naming conventions and placement to standardize testing practices across your project.

A limitation of using a test-first approach for refactoring is the strict requirement for high test coverage and disciplined naming conventions. Without standardized templates and coverage expectations, the red-green-refactor loop may not guarantee safer refactors.

The best way to standardize testing practices across projects is to document your test strategy with templates, rules, and coverage expectations. Enforcing a red-green-refactor workflow ensures consistent test types and naming conventions.