incremental-development

Incremental Development Guidelines

When creating multiple similar files or implementing multiple similar features, follow these guidelines:

One at a Time

Complete and verify ONE item before starting the next:

1. Write the first file
2. Update any dependencies (build.gradle, package.json, etc.)
3. Verify it compiles
4. Verify it runs/passes
5. Only then start the second file

Why This Matters

• Catches errors early before they're duplicated
• Avoids propagating the same mistake across multiple files
• Faster debugging - you know exactly which change caused a problem
• Each verified step builds confidence for the next

Examples

Writing Multiple Tests

BAD:

Write TestA.java
Write TestB.java
Write TestC.java
Update build.gradle
Try to compile - find errors in all three

GOOD:

Write TestA.java
Update build.gradle with test dependencies
Compile TestA
Run TestA - verify it passes
Write TestB.java
Compile and run TestB
Write TestC.java
Compile and run TestC

Writing Multiple Configuration Classes

BAD:

Write ConfigA.java
Write ConfigB.java
Compile - both have the same import error

GOOD:

Write ConfigA.java
Compile - works
Write ConfigB.java
Compile - works

When to Apply

Apply incremental development when:

• Writing multiple test classes
• Creating multiple similar configuration classes
• Implementing multiple similar features
• Any task where files follow a similar pattern

Do NOT batch similar work if each piece requires verification.