Welcome to the first lesson of our course on Test-Driven Development (TDD) using Swift and XCTest. TDD is an iterative software development process where tests are written before the actual code. This approach enables programmers to focus on the requirements before diving into implementation, ultimately leading to code that is more reliable and maintainable.

In this lesson, we will introduce you to the essential elements of TDD, including the Red-Green-Refactor cycle, which forms the backbone of this methodology. We'll also introduce the tools we'll be using: Swift and XCTest. Swift is a powerful and intuitive programming language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, while XCTest is a robust testing framework for Swift. XCTest provides a simple yet comprehensive solution for defining and running tests. Let's begin by exploring TDD's core components with an example.

In TDD, the journey begins with writing a test that fails. This "Red" stage allows you to clarify your objective before implementation. Let's start by writing a test for a sum function, which will eventually add two numbers.

Create a new Swift file named MathFunctionsTests.swift in your test target:

Swift
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1import XCTest
2
3class MathFunctionsTests: XCTestCase {
4
5    func testSumFunction() {
6        XCTAssertEqual(sum(2, 3), 5)
7    }
8}

This test script:

• Contains a test function to ensure sum(2, 3) returns 5 using an assertion.
• Attempts to use the sum function, which we haven't defined yet.

Run this test even without a sum function. It will fail, reflecting the "Red" phase, indicating the need for implementation.

Output:

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1Test Suite 'MathFunctionsTests' started at ...
2/usercode/FILESYSTEM/MathFunctionsTests.swift:5:24: error: cannot find 'sum' in scope
3error: fatalError
4error: fatalError

This is an expected failure and shows that our test is working properly to identify unimplemented features.

Our next goal is to write just enough code to make the test pass — the "Green" step. In TDD, this means implementing the simplest functionality that satisfies the test requirements. Let's define the sum function in a new Swift file, MathFunctions.swift:

Swift
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1func sum(_ a: Int, _ b: Int) -> Int {
2    return 5
3}

This solution might seem odd because it doesn't genuinely add two numbers. However, it exemplifies the TDD focus on passing the test with minimal implementation. By achieving this, we've fulfilled the current test condition.

Re-running our test will yield the following:

Output:

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1Test Suite 'MathFunctionsTests' started at ...
2Test Case '-[YourProjectNameTests.MathFunctionsTests testSumFunction]' passed.

Seeing the test pass confirms that our code satisfies the current test scenario. We can later iterate on our implementation as new tests impose stricter functionality requirements.

The last step, "Refactor," involves refining the code while ensuring existing behavior remains unchanged. In this instance, our sum function is already quite efficient, but we can refine our test by separating the test's execution from the assertion. This involves extracting the output of the sum function into a variable:

Swift
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1func testSumFunction() {
2    let result = sum(2, 3)
3    XCTAssertEqual(result, 5)
4}

This small refactoring illustrates how minor adjustments can enhance clarity, as it isolates the act (execution) from the assertion (verification). When dealing with more complex functions, refactoring might involve breaking down a function, renaming variables for clarity, or improving test readability. Our Red-Green-Refactor cycle for this example is now complete.

In this lesson, we've explored the basic tenets of TDD using the Red-Green-Refactor workflow with Swift and XCTest. Let's recap:

• Red: Begin by writing a test that fails.
• Green: Develop minimal code sufficient to pass the test.
• Refactor: Enhance your code and maintain passing tests.

As you advance, practicing TDD principles in the practice exercises will strengthen your understanding and ability to write robust, maintainable code. Remember to integrate these concepts into your daily coding practices to enhance code quality and reliability.

With this foundation, you're ready to delve into more complex scenarios we will explore in future lessons. Keep honing your skills to become an adept practitioner of TDD.