Usefulness and Effectiveness of Test-First Development and Junit Framework

Abstract

Test-First development (TFD) is a process that relies on the repetition of a very short development cycle. It is based on the test-first concept of extreme programming (XP) that encourages simple design with a high level of confidence. Test-First development is a software development practice where small sections of test code are used to direct the development of program units. Writing test code prior to the production code promises several positive effects on the development process itself and on associated products and processes as well. Thus, it is difficult to assess the potential process and product effects when applying test-First development. Test-First development can reduce the amount of introduced defects and lead to more maintainable code. Parts of the implemented code may also be somewhat smaller in size and complexity. While maintenance of test-First code can take less time, initial development may last longer. TFD defines a proven way to ensure effective unit testing.