test-driven-development

Test-driven development is a workflow where you write failing tests before code. The red-green-refactor sequence means writing a failing test, implementing minimal code to pass it, then refactoring while keeping tests green.

To implement a feature with test-driven development, start by writing a failing unit test, run it to see failure, write the smallest amount of code to pass the test, then refactor the implementation while ensuring tests stay green.

Yes, test-driven development applies to bug fixes and refactors across diverse codebases and languages. It enforces writing failing tests first to drive minimal, verifiable implementation and incremental software design.

Writing failing tests before implementation prevents silent bugs through fail-first validation. This guarantees tests fail before code is written, ensuring correct behavior is defined and verified before the actual implementation.

Yes, test-driven development encourages incremental design guidance. It promotes building small, testable units during feature development and refactoring, ensuring code quality and verifiable behavior throughout the process.

Test-driven development requires failing tests to drive implementation, which may be difficult for legacy code without existing unit tests. It enforces a strict red-green-refactor workflow that requires testable, modular software design.