The myth that TDD or test-first slows you down is true
I'm sad to say it, but it is true. It slows you down. But not everytime, and not for everything. So let's be more specific on the cases where it DOES slow you down noticeably:
- Cowboy or Duct Tape Programming Mode: If you code all day like crazy in a "cowboy" or "duct tape" programming mode, then it WILL slow you down, significantly. In this mode, you're hacking together stuff that works by pure luck, you're only superficially and typically manually "testing" the thing, before calling it "done" and move on. Someone will come after some day when the customer complains about a bug, and figure out what to do. Not your problem though, for sure. For all you care about, you might even have another job by then. Your productivity kicks ass, you're the fastest guy in the team, and can get "complete" features to your boss in record time. Everyone (who hasn't worked with you long enough) thinks you're a genious, 'cause you can get something that works on the first shot. Brilliant!...
