Test-Driven Development (TDD) FAQs

Question 1

Why is writing tests before code important for AI coding?

Accepted Answer

Writing tests first forces the AI to define behavior and API design before implementation, ensuring the resulting code is testable, decoupled, and meets the specific requirements without bloat.

Question 2

How does this skill handle the Red-Green-Refactor cycle?

Accepted Answer

Claude first writes a minimal failing test (Red), verifies it fails for the right reason, writes the simplest code possible to pass (Green), and finally cleans up the code without changing behavior (Refactor).

Question 3

Is this skill suitable for fixing bugs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is highly effective for bug fixes by requiring a test that reproduces the bug (Red) before implementing the fix to prove the issue is resolved and prevent regressions.

Question 4

What happens if a test passes immediately?

Accepted Answer

If a test passes immediately, it means you are testing existing behavior or the test is flawed. This skill requires you to fix the test so it fails before writing new code.

Question 5

What is the 'Iron Law' in this TDD skill?

Accepted Answer

The Iron Law dictates that no production code should be written without a prior failing test. If code is written before a test, it should be deleted and rewritten following the test-first approach.

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Key Features

Use Cases

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Key Features

Use Cases