The Death of TDD: GenAI Killed It

 Test-Driven Development (TDD) told us:

·   Write tests first
·    Write code to pass those tests
·    Repeat

That made sense — until GenAI showed up.

Tools like GitHub Copilot, CodeWhisperer, and Replit Ghostwriter flipped the workflow:

·         Write a prompt
·         GenAI writes the code
·         Then it writes the tests

TDD’s “Test First” is officially dead.

The New Reality

1.      Code First
Dev writes a prompt.
GenAI writes the code.
Dev’s job? Understand business logic + design. Not boilerplate.

2.      Tests Later
GenAI generates unit tests based on specs. No test scaffolding up front. Just clean, auto-generated coverage.

What We Gain

·         Blazing productivity – code + tests in minutes
·         Better quality – GenAI learns fast
·         Lower technical barrier – business-savvy folks + prompt mastery = working software

What We Risk

·         Devs may stop optimizing – “AI will fix it” mindset
·         Job loss is real – unless Jevons Paradox bails us out

What Might Stay Flat

·         Business Analysts may lead GenAI-powered dev teams, with a few tech wizards handling edge cases. 
·         Low-code/no-code platforms? Obsolete soon

Final Take

GenAI isn't improving TDD. It's replacing it.
GenAI isn’t tweaking TDD—it’s obliterating it. The entire SDLC is being gutted and rebuilt. TDD’s just collateral damage. Adapt or get left behind.

Curious how your team should evolve? Let’s talk.