Test-driven development is a unique strategy that puts tests first. In a test-driven development, the test cases are designed before the development has even begun. Once development does begin, the test cases are used to inform the project’s direction. This creates code that better adheres to the potential needs of the user. As test cases will generally be used somewhere throughout development regardless, putting test cases first can make more sense.
The Process of Test-Driven Development
Test driven development begins by identifying the problem that the application is intended to solve. Once this problem has been identified, a test is created that will test the action that is designed to solve the problem. The test will be analyzed to determine whether it is suitable for the project, and then the program will be tailored around this test. Once the code has been developed, further analysis will begin. The development team will determine whether the code suitably meets the test parameters. If it does not, it will need to be adjusted.
The Benefits of Test-Driven Development
Test-driven development can be used to rapidly produce applications, as it is a very simple development structure that is focused on creating solutions. Because it is fairly straightforward, test-driven development is best suited towards smaller solutions. TDD replaces the traditional testing processes, instead making them an intrinsic part of the development process. Further, TDD also aids in the development of the documentation associated with the program. By using a test-focused process, developers can be absolutely certain that the programs are developed to solve certain problems, and that the focus of the project remains the most critical problems that are intended to be solved.
Challenges With Test-Driven Developments
All development strategies have their own drawbacks, whether it be related to accuracy, time, or productivity. With test-driven development, the primary fear is that the software that is developed may have fairly narrow use cases. As the software has been developed only to adhere to certain tests, there may be potential blind spots that prevent the software from being truly adaptive and robust. In essence, the software can only be as good as the tests that have been developed. These concerns are eliminated when the test cases are developed to be sufficiently advanced.
Nevertheless, test-driven development isn’t always the most ideal type of development. For complex projects or extremely innovative projects, a test-driven development cycle may stifle the project where more aggressive or structured development techniques could foster it.
Developers will often find that test-driven developments can produce better results in the end, ultimately cutting down on development time and improving upon the project’s organization. Developers may want to learn more about test-driven development if they want to brush up on their skills. Employers looking for developers knowledgeable about the newest development strategies may want to review the job listings at Software Specialists.
