Test Driven Development (TDD)

Test Driven Development (TDD) is a software development approach where tests are written before the actual code implementation. It follows a cyclical process often referred to as "Red-Green-Refactor."\n\nThe TDD cycle begins with the developer writing a failing test (Red phase) that defines a desired functionality. This test initially fails because the functionality hasn't been implemented yet. Next, the developer writes the minimum amount of code necessary to make the test pass (Green phase). Once the test passes, the developer refines the code through refactoring (Refactor phase), improving its structure while ensuring all tests continue to pass.\n\nIn Agile environments, TDD provides several benefits:\n\n1. Quality Assurance: By creating tests first, developers clearly define what "working software" means for each feature.\n\n2. Design Improvement: TDD encourages simple, modular designs that are easier to test and maintain.\n\n3. Documentation: Tests serve as executable documentation that demonstrates how code should function.\n\n4. Reduced Debugging: Since code is verified incrementally, defects are identified earlier.\n\n5. Confidence in Refactoring: Comprehensive test suites allow teams to improve code quality with confidence that functionality remains intact.\n\n6. Built-in Regression Testing: Tests accumulate over time, providing protection against future changes breaking existing functionality.\n\nTDD aligns with Agile principles by promoting working software, technical excellence, and sustainable development. It supports continuous delivery by ensuring code remains reliable throughout iterative development cycles. For Agile teams, TDD helps maintain high quality while adapting to changing requirements.\n\nEffective TDD requires discipline and team buy-in but typically results in more reliable software with fewer defects.

Test Driven Development (TDD) is a software development approach where tests are written before the actual code implementation. It follows a cyclical process often referred to as "Red-Green-Refactor.…

Concepts covered: Incremental Design, Second Law of TDD, Coding Standards, Living Documentation, Third Law of TDD, Incremental development, Refactoring, Unit Testing, First Law of TDD, Test First Development, Quick Feedback, Red-Green-Refactor cycle, Isolation