Test-Driven Development
Overview
Write a failing test before writing the code that makes it pass. For bug fixes, reproduce the bug with a test before attempting a fix. Tests are proof — "seems right" is not done. A codebase with good tests is an AI agent's superpower; a codebase without tests is a liability.
When to Use
- Implementing any new logic or behavior
- Fixing any bug (the Prove-It Pattern)
- Modifying existing functionality
- Adding edge case handling
- Any change that could break existing behavior
When NOT to use: Pure configuration changes, documentation updates, or static content changes that have no behavioral impact.
Related: For browser-based changes, combine TDD with runtime verification using Chrome DevTools MCP — see the Browser Testing section below.
Discover the Stack First
The TDD cycle is universal; the commands are not. Before writing the first test, discover how this repository tests, and use its commands for every RED, GREEN, and verification step:
- Language and build system —
package.json,pom.xml/build.gradle,pyproject.toml,go.mod,Cargo.toml,Gemfile, aMakefile - Checked-in wrappers — prefer `./g…
