Understanding Test-Driven Development (TDD)
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a software development approach where tests are written before the actual code. This method emphasizes writing minimal code to pass tests, leading to a cleaner and more maintainable codebase.
Exam Question
Which three describe Test-Driven Development?
(choose the best three answers)
A. An incremental and emergent approach to software design.
B. Having testers involved in the development process.
C. A software development technique based on automated tests.
D. Creating a manual test script before writing code.
E. A predictable way to develop working, well-organized code.
Correct Answers
A. An incremental and emergent approach to software design.
C. A software development technique based on automated tests.
E. A predictable way to develop working, well-organized code.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. An incremental and emergent approach to software design:
TDD encourages developers to write tests before writing the corresponding code. This leads to an incremental and emergent approach to software design, where the design evolves as new tests are added. Each test drives the next piece of functionality, allowing the design to emerge organically and adapting to changing requirements.
C. A software development technique based on automated tests:
TDD is fundamentally about writing tests first, then writing the minimal amount of code necessary to pass those tests. These tests are automated, allowing developers to quickly and repeatedly run them to ensure that the code continues to work as expected as it evolves. Automation is a key aspect of TDD because it ensures that tests can be run frequently without manual effort, maintaining the integrity of the codebase.
E. A predictable way to develop working, well-organized code:
By following the TDD process, developers create code that is well-organized and covered by tests, leading to more predictable outcomes. The practice of writing tests first helps ensure that the code is not only functional but also well-structured, as it forces developers to think about the desired behavior before implementation.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
B. Having testers involved in the development process:
While involving testers in the development process is important, it is not specific to TDD. TDD focuses on developers writing tests first, not necessarily involving testers in this specific process.
D. Creating a manual test script before writing code:
TDD involves writing automated tests, not manual test scripts. The emphasis is on automation to allow for continuous testing as the code evolves.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the principles and practices of Test-Driven Development is crucial for the PSD exam. It ensures that developers can apply TDD effectively to create well-tested, maintainable, and adaptable code.
Key Takeaways
- TDD is incremental and allows the design to emerge as tests are added.
- It is a technique based on automated tests, ensuring that the code is thoroughly tested and maintainable.
- TDD provides a predictable way to develop working, well-organized code.
Conclusion
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a powerful approach to software development that emphasizes writing tests before code. This method ensures that the code is not only functional but also well-organized and adaptable to change. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
