Test-Driven Development (TDD): An Introduction and Best Practices
Hey there, friends! I continue the cycle of my blog posts to help my students better understand Software Quality Assurance. I’m trying to cover different areas of this priceless domain, from theory to some practical examples.
Today, I’d like to uncover the magic of Test-Driven Development (TDD). This methodology is more than just a buzzword; it’s a philosophy that could reshape how you approach coding. As always, I promise to walk you through this with relatable examples and concise code snippets.
What is Test-Driven Development (TDD)?
Imagine you’re building a LEGO house. Now, wouldn’t it be cool if a little LEGO inspector pops up with each brick you place and tells you whether it fits correctly? TDD is somewhat like that!
TDD is a software development approach where you write tests before the actual code. In essence, you’re defining the expected behaviour of your code in the form of tests. Only then do you jump into the actual coding to make those tests pass.
The Underlying Principles of TDD
- Red: Write a failing test.
- Green: Write the minimum amount of code to pass the test.
- Refactor: Optimize the code while…
