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Code & Deliveryabbreviation · /ˌtiː diː ˈdiː/

TDD

In simple English

TDD is a fundamental methodology in modern software development that changes the traditional order of development. Instead of writing features and testing them afterward, developers using TDD follow this cycle: write a test that fails, write the minimum code to make it pass, then refactor. This approach helps catch bugs early, improves code quality, and creates comprehensive test coverage from the start. In practice, TDD is used extensively in Agile teams and is considered a best practice by many organizations. When a team practices TDD, new developers can refactor with confidence because the tests protect against breaking existing functionality. It also serves as living documentation because the tests show exactly how the code is supposed to behave. TDD requires discipline and experience to implement well. Teams must invest time upfront in writing tests, but this typically pays off through fewer production bugs, easier maintenance, and faster development cycles later.

Understand what Test-Driven Development is and how to apply it in software projects

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓We follow TDD principles on this project
✓Let us practice TDD for the new feature
✓TDD helps us maintain code quality

Real examples

in a standup

"Yesterday I wrote tests for the login feature using TDD before implementing the actual code."

in a code review

"I notice you did not follow TDD here. Can you add tests before we merge this?"

in a team meeting

"If we adopt TDD company-wide, we should see a significant reduction in production bugs."

Don't say this

Handle with care. TDD is sometimes confused with just testing code. It is specifically about writing tests first, before writing the feature code.

✕We will test with TDD after we finish coding.
✓We will write tests first, then code using TDD.— TDD means writing tests BEFORE the code, not after. Writing tests after is called testing, not TDD.
✕TDD is just about testing your code.
✓TDD is a development methodology where tests drive the design and implementation.— TDD is more than testing; it is a complete development approach that influences how you design and structure code.
✕We do TDD by running our test suite once a week.
✓We practice TDD by writing a failing test, then writing code to pass it, then refactoring.— TDD requires continuous, immediate feedback from tests as you code, not periodic testing.

Other forms

noun

TDD

"TDD is an industry standard practice in many tech companies."

noun

TDD practice

"Our TDD practice has reduced bugs by 40 percent this quarter."

adjective

TDD-driven

"We use a TDD-driven approach to ensure high code quality."

Often used with

practice TDDmeans to use TDD methodology in your development process
follow TDDmeans to adhere to TDD principles and workflows
adopt TDDmeans to implement TDD as a team or organizational standard
TDD cyclerefers to the red-green-refactor workflow
TDD approachmeans using TDD as a development strategy

Similar words

test-first developmentMore explicit but less commonly used than TDD
test-driven designEmphasizes the design aspect; TDD is more commonly used

Opposites

ad hoc testingmanual testingtest-last approach

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your team wants to improve code quality. Which statement sounds most natural?

Complete the sentence

2. We will _______ TDD for all new features starting next sprint.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses TDD incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this sentence using TDD: 'We write tests after we finish the code to make sure it works.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "tdd" in a standup this week?

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