Test-driven v/s Simulation-driven Development
This page differentiates b/w Test-driven and Simulation-driven Development
Test-Driven Development (TDD):
Core Concept: Writes tests before writing code.
Process:
Define Test: Identify a specific functionality and write a test that outlines the expected behaviour.
Write Minimal Code: Implement the simplest code that passes the test. Focus on correctness first.
Refactor: Refine and improve the code while maintaining passing tests.
Benefits:
Catches errors early in the development cycle.
Improves code quality and maintainability.
Provides clear documentation of functionality through tests.
Drawbacks:
Limitations in identifying edge cases
Not meant for stress testing and exploring various scenarios.
Simulation-Driven Development (SDD):
Core Concept: Relies on simulations to model system behavior and identify potential issues before deployment.
Process:
Create Simulation Model: Build a model that accurately reflects the system's environment and interactions. This can involve tools like Hardhat for blockchain development.
Run Simulations: Execute the model with various inputs and scenarios to uncover edge cases and potential problems.
Refine System: Based on simulation results, modify the actual system to address discovered issues.
Benefits:
Proactive in identifying edge cases and potential failures.
Allows for stress testing and exploring various scenarios.
Drawbacks:
Creating accurate simulations can be complex and time-consuming.
Key Distinctions:
Focus: TDD prioritizes testing individual units of code. SDD focuses on simulating the entire system's behavior.
Order: TDD writes tests before code. SDD builds simulations before making system changes.
Choosing Between TDD and SDD:
We should use TDD for ensuring unit-level correctness and catching errors early in development.
We should use SDD for complex systems where simulating real-world conditions and uncovering edge cases is crucial.
Consider a hybrid approach where both TDD and SDD are used in conjunction for a comprehensive testing strategy.
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