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Refactoring in TDD

publish date: 2026/06/18 05:45:7.865879 UTC

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After all tests pass in a TDD cycle, the developer is expected to refactor the code. What is the purpose of this refactoring step?

To convert the automated tests into manual test scripts for documentation

To improve the structure and clarity of the code without changing its external behavior

To add new functionality that was not part of the original increment specification

To remove test code from the production codebase

Correct Answer

To improve the structure and clarity of the code without changing its external behavior

Explanation

The refactoring step in TDD aims to improve the internal structure and clarity of the code without changing its external behavior (and therefore without breaking any tests). Because the test suite provides a safety net, developers can refactor confidently - any regression introduced by refactoring will immediately be caught by the existing tests.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Test-Driven Development - Process and Benefits