The red green refactor loop
Test driven development inverts the usual order. You write a failing test that describes desired behavior, write the minimum code to pass it, then refactor with the test as a safety net.
Why it helps on the frontend
- Forces you to think about the component contract before markup.
- Produces a suite that documents intended behavior.
- Encourages small, testable units instead of tangled components.
Doing it well
- Start at the behavior level using role and text queries, not implementation.
- Write the smallest test that fails for the right reason.
- Refactor only when tests are green so you always know you stayed correct.
Where it fits
TDD shines for logic heavy components like forms and validation. For purely visual tweaks, a screenshot or manual check is often more practical than a unit test.
The discipline is the value, the rhythm keeps each step small and verified.
Key idea
TDD cycles red, green, refactor, driving frontend design from behavior and leaving a safety net behind.