🔴TDD Workflow Explained
Stop hearing 'red-green-refactor' as a slogan and start feeling it as a five-minute rhythm — drill ten kata cycles, connect TDD to design and coverage, then build a small feature strictly test-first.
Phase 1Why the Cycle Works
See TDD as a feedback rhythm, not a slogan
TDD is a rhythm, not a religion
6 minTDD is a rhythm, not a religion
A failing test is the only honest starting point
6 minA failing test is the only honest starting point
Green means smallest possible code, not best
6 minGreen means smallest possible code, not best
Refactor is where the design actually happens
7 minRefactor is where the design actually happens
Phase 2Ten Laps Around the Cycle
Drill ten kata cycles at the right granularity
FizzBuzz is a TDD treadmill, not a puzzle
7 minFizzBuzz is a TDD treadmill, not a puzzle
If red lasts more than five minutes, your test is too big
7 minIf red lasts more than five minutes, your test is too big
The second test is what makes the design real
6 minThe second test is what makes the design real
When red won't go green, throw the test away
6 minWhen red won't go green, throw the test away
Don't write code with no failing test
6 minDon't write code with no failing test
Phase 3The Cycle Meets Real Code
Connect TDD to design, coverage, and refactoring
TDD applies design pressure on every lap
7 minTDD applies design pressure on every lap
100% coverage means nothing if your tests can't fail
7 min100% coverage means nothing if your tests can't fail
On legacy code, write the test that pins behavior
7 minOn legacy code, write the test that pins behavior
TDD is a tool, not a religion — know when to skip it
7 minTDD is a tool, not a religion — know when to skip it
Phase 4Build It Test-First
Build a small feature strictly test-first
Ship a small feature, strictly test-first
25 minShip a small feature, strictly test-first
Frequently asked questions
- What does red-green-refactor actually mean in practice?
- This is covered in the “TDD Workflow Explained” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- Isn't TDD slower than just writing code and tests after?
- This is covered in the “TDD Workflow Explained” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- How small should the first failing test be?
- This is covered in the “TDD Workflow Explained” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- Do I need 100% coverage if I'm doing TDD?
- This is covered in the “TDD Workflow Explained” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- When is it okay to skip TDD on a real project?
- This is covered in the “TDD Workflow Explained” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
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