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TDD and Test Scope

publish date: 2026/06/19 10:09:34.704819 UTC

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TDD tests are typically written at which testing level, and what does this mean for broader test coverage?

Performance level - TDD tests primarily measure execution speed of each method

Unit level - TDD tests verify individual functions or methods, leaving higher-level interaction testing to other testing stages

System level - TDD tests cover interactions between all system components

Acceptance level - TDD tests are equivalent to acceptance tests defined by customers

Correct Answer

Unit level - TDD tests verify individual functions or methods, leaving higher-level interaction testing to other testing stages

Explanation

TDD tests are typically at the unit level, verifying individual functions, methods, or small objects. While this provides excellent unit-level coverage, it does not address higher-level concerns such as component interactions, system-wide emergent behavior, or real-world user behavior. System, release, and user testing are still needed.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Test-Driven Development - Limitations and Context