In the world of software, trust is everything. We need to trust our code, but before that, we must trust our tests. Seeing tests fail is as important as seeing them succeed. Failure tells us our test is meaningful, setting a goal for our code.

The Heart of TDD

Test-Driven Development (TDD) is about building this trust. Its rules are simple: work in short cycles, write tested code, and keep improving. TDD helps us make good code, no matter how long we've been doing it.

When TDD Might Not Fit

For TDD to work, we need clear expectations. If testing isn't helpful or takes too long, TDD might not be right. Also, if our design needs checking by eye, TDD might not help much.

Getting Started

Learn TDD Laws: Know the three main rules, making one change at a time.

Do Red-Green-Refactor: Keep going through the cycle: write a failing test, make it pass, then tidy up.

Start with TDD: Practice with simple exercises first, then try TDD on your own projects. Start small and stick to the rules.

Get Better: Learn how to write good tests, clean code, and maintain them. These skills make TDD even more helpful.

Start with tests, and trust will follow. TDD isn't just a way to code; it's a way to build confidence in what we make. Try TDD today and see how it changes the way you write code for the better.