In "proper" TDD you you supposed go:

- write a test for method that does not exist, it just calls the method and nothing else

- write method that does nothing

- add/extend test that uses that method <-- this very loop starts

- modify method until tests passes

- go back to loop start until you're done

I always hated it. When I work with LLM i first massage interface that tests, then tests, then implementation until all these tests pass.

> for example when it re-outputs the complete file when you ask for a tiny change).

well with sonnet 3.5 and 4.5 (can't say about 4.6) it often will get stuck in a loop trying to update just the required parts and iether waste tons of tokens doing these updates or waste tons of tokens to a point where restring file from git is required. Tokens get wasted regardless.

I like tests, but I don't bother with TDD because it's so ceremonial. I design the API, or at least sketch it out (using a whiteboard or drafting some notes, and doing research). Then I iterate and refine. I only bother with tests once I can commit or when it's no longer viable to tests manually (edit-compile-run cycle). And a lot of time I follow the table pattern.

https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/simplicity/979888865170...