This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kars van Iersel
Introduction
No skill is more important for programmers than the ability to write code that works. But all too often, developers don't think about whether their code will work until it's finished, and by then they've already created many bugs that are difficult or impossible to fix.
That's why every developer should be using Test Driven Development (TDD). TDD forces you to "think before you act" and come up with a test before writing any new lines of code. This simple technique has been shown in studies done at Microsoft Research and elsewhere to reduce programming errors by as much as 50 percent--an amazing reduction in mistakes! And because TDD prevents so many bugs from creeping into your software, it also makes future debugging sessions shorter and reduces technical debt.
What is TDD
When developers code, they need to make sure that their code works, and it will work when the project is complete. This means they need to write tests for this coding before they even write the code!
The way TDD works is simple:
First, create a test for your program that will be called "Arithmetical Addition Test" - in this case, adding two numbers together.
Then write some arithmetic addition code that creates a result according to the test you created.
Finally, run your test and make sure that the result matches what you expect it to be. If not, then your code has an error in it somewhere.
The benefits of using TDD
The benefits of using TDD are many. One of the major benefits is that it prevents bugs before they ever get into your code. This is a great thing because not only do you find the mistakes earlier and more easily, but you also don't have to waste time fixing them later on. This means that a developer can spend less time debugging and more time creating solutions.
It's also important to note that TDD allows developers to distribute their work in a better way. Taking the time to create tests for every function forces developers to think about what they are doing before they start writing new lines of code, which helps them use their time better and understand what's going on in the project better.
Test Driven Development (TDD) is an important skill to have for developers because it helps them create code that will work. It's a simple process of creating tests before the code and then checking if they match up to what was expected after running them. This technique has been shown in studies done at Microsoft Research and elsewhere to reduce programming errors by as much as 50%.
How to use TDD in your workflow
There are many benefits to using TDD in your workflow, and it doesn't take too much time or effort to implement.
It's important for developers to create tests first before they start writing code. Once you have testing, you know what your expectations for the code should be and can write the code to match those expectations. When you're both writing the test and the function, it forces you to think about what each step of the process is doing as well as how they interact with each other. This helps reduce errors and bugs that get into your code before they cause problems in the future.
When coding, it's also important to make sure that the tests are developed enough. It's not necessary for them all to be 100% complete, but they should at least have a basic functional outline to help make sure that the code is going in the right direction.
When you should start using TDD
The best time to start using TDD in your workflow is right now. The sooner you start, the more bugs will be caught and the less work you'll need to do fixing them later on. Even if you're not currently using TDD, there's never a bad time to start. Even though it can be challenging at first, when writing code without testing can lead to much more complex issues later on in the development process.
Tips for getting started with and implementing TDD into your workflow or project
TDD can be challenging to use at first, but the time spent will be worth it in the long run. It's important that tests are written carefully and completely so that they do not need to be changed later on during development. The best way to start is by testing a few of your functions in a simple program or project before moving on to more complex code.
For example, you could try out TDD with a small function that takes two numbers and adds them together. Once you're confident with how TDD works with this function, then move on to the next one related to addition and continue from there.
It can also be helpful for developers to make sure that they have plenty of tests before they start writing code. You don't need hundreds of tests, but a good number to start with is about 5-10 per function that's being developed.
Conclusion
TDD is a popular programming technique that helps developers create code that will work. This process involves writing tests before the code and then checking if they match up to what was expected after running them. There are many benefits to using TDD in your workflow, including reducing bugs by as much as 50%! No matter where you're at or how experienced of a developer you are, it's never too late to start this practice in your workflow. It can be challenging at first but the time spent will pay off down the line with less debugging needed on future projects!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kars van Iersel
Kars van Iersel | Sciencx (2021-08-22T23:29:14+00:00) Why every developer should be using TDD. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2021/08/22/why-every-developer-should-be-using-tdd/
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