Test-Driven Development

Follow the TDD cycle: Red → Green → Refactor

Core Principles

1. Write the simplest failing test first
2. Implement minimum code to make tests pass
3. Refactor only after tests are passing
4. Separate structural changes from behavioral changes

TDD Workflow

1. Write a failing test (Red)
2. Write just enough code to pass (Green)
3. Refactor while keeping tests green
4. Repeat

// 1. Write failing test
test('shouldSumTwoPositiveNumbers', () => {
  expect(sum(2, 3)).toBe(5);
});

// 2. Write minimum code to pass
function sum(a: number, b: number): number {
  return a + b;
}

// 3. Refactor if needed (tests still pass)

Tidy First Approach

Separate commits into two types:

Structural Changes (First)

• Renaming, extracting methods, moving code
• No behavior change
• Run tests before AND after

Behavioral Changes (Second)

• Adding or modifying functionality
• Commit separately from structural changes

Commit Discipline

Only commit when:

1. ALL tests pass
2. ALL linter warnings resolved
3. Single logical unit of work
4. Message states if structural or behavioral

Code Quality Standards

• Eliminate duplication ruthlessly
• Express intent through naming
• Make dependencies explicit
• Keep methods small (single responsibility)
• Minimize state and side effects
• Use simplest solution that works

Refactoring Guidelines

• Only refactor in Green phase
• Use established refactoring patterns
• One refactoring at a time
• Run tests after each step