Test-Driven Development
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a software development methodology where developers write automated tests before writing the actual implementation code. It follows a short, iterative cycle of writing a failing test, writing minimal code to pass the test, and then refactoring the code while keeping tests green. This approach ensures code correctness, improves design, and reduces defects by making testing an integral part of the development process.
Developers should use TDD when building reliable, maintainable software, especially in agile environments or for critical systems where quality is paramount. It's particularly valuable for complex logic, APIs, or legacy code refactoring, as it provides immediate feedback and prevents regression. TDD enforces modular, testable code design and reduces debugging time by catching errors early in the development cycle.