In TDD (Test-Driven Development), what is the first step in the development cycle?

In Test-Driven Development (TDD), the first step in the development cycle is to write a failing test. This step is crucial because it lays the foundation for the feature or functionality you are about to implement. By starting with a failing test, you establish a clear expectation of what the code should accomplish.

This practice emphasizes the idea that tests drive the development process. Writing the test first helps you clarify the requirements and desired behavior of the code before any implementation takes place. After establishing the failing test, the next steps involve writing just enough code to make the test pass and then refactoring the code while ensuring that the tests continue to pass. This iterative cycle of testing, coding, and refactoring promotes better design and code quality over time.