OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development

3.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star Empty star
Based on 29 ratings
see reviews
Doug Purcell

To be a proficient developer you need to have a solid grasp of test writing before putting code into production. In this course, we will take a hands-on look at Test-Driven Development by writing and implementing tests as soon as week one. TDD starts with good unit tests, so we will start there. Topics will also cover translating user specs into unit tests, applying the Red-Green-Refactor mantra, and applying mocks in python with the unittest.mock module. Once finished, you will have covered all the steps of TDD before development

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Automated Unit Testing Basics
Test-Driven Development starts with testing, and good TDD starts with good unit tests.
Unit Testing best practices
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a strong foundation in TDD, which is standard in software development
Examines automated unit testing and its applications, which are highly relevant to software testing
Taught by Doug Purcell, who is recognized in the field for their work in software testing
Offers hands-on labs for practical application of TDD techniques
Exclusively covers Python, which may limit its appeal to learners who utilize other programming languages
Focuses primarily on unit testing, which may not be sufficient for learners seeking a more comprehensive understanding of TDD

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical tdd for python beginners

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical introduction to Test-Driven Development, especially for those new to TDD or looking to implement it in Python. Students found the hands-on examples and coding exercises particularly effective in demystifying the process and solidifying understanding of the Red-Green-Refactor cycle. Many appreciated the clear explanations and beginner-friendly pace, making the skills immediately applicable to their work. However, some experienced developers felt the course was too introductory and lacked depth on advanced TDD patterns or more complex mocking scenarios using Python's `unittest.mock` module.
Includes a section on Python's unittest.mock module.
"The unittest.mock module section was a bit fast-paced, but overall, highly recommend..."
"I appreciated the focus on Python's unittest.mock, though I wish there were more advanced mocking scenarios."
"The unittest.mock part was the only new thing for me, but it could have been expanded."
Covers core TDD principles like Red-Green-Refactor effectively.
"The hands-on examples were incredibly helpful, especially the Red-Green-Refactor cycle."
"The Red-Green-Refactor process was well-explained and practiced."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course, especially regarding unit testing and TDD basics."
Highly suitable for individuals new to Test-Driven Development.
"As a beginner to TDD, this course was exactly what I needed. The instructor's explanations are very clear, and the pace is perfect."
"This course is a fantastic introduction to TDD! I've been wanting to implement testing in my Python projects, and this truly demystified the process."
"The course delivers on its promise of a practical intro... Some parts felt a bit slow, but I suppose that's good for beginners."
Provides practical examples and hands-on coding for TDD.
"The hands-on examples were incredibly helpful, especially the Red-Green-Refactor cycle. It's practical and immediately applicable."
"The practical exercises really cemented my understanding. I feel much more confident in writing tests now."
"I loved how they translate user specs into tests. It really helps bridge the gap between requirements and code."
May lack depth for developers with prior TDD or extensive experience.
"The course content was okay, but I felt it was a bit too introductory for someone with 5+ years of experience."
"I found the course quite basic. If you've read any article on TDD, you likely know most of this."
"I was hoping for more advanced TDD patterns and strategies, beyond just basic unit testing."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development with these activities:
Refresh Your Python Skills
Refresh your Python skills by reviewing materials from previous courses or taking an online course.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Review Python syntax and data structures
  • Practice writing simple Python programs
Review Test-Driven Development Principles
Supplement your understanding of the course's foundations by reviewing online resources and following guided tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of TDD's underlying concepts.
Browse courses on Test-Driven Development
Show steps
  • Find and read articles on TDD best practices
  • Identify and follow online tutorials that demonstrate the fundamentals of TDD
Write Unit Tests for a Simple Program
Deepen your understanding by writing unit tests for a simple program.
Browse courses on Testing
Show steps
  • Write a simple program
  • Identify the different scenarios that need to be tested
  • Write unit tests to cover those scenarios
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice Writing Automated Test Cases
Reinforce your grasp of unit test writing by practicing the techniques taught in the course. Engage in coding exercises and drills to improve your proficiency in creating effective test cases.
Show steps
  • Set up a development environment with a suitable testing framework
  • Design and implement a series of mock objects for testing
  • Write comprehensive unit tests for a given software component
Write Unit Tests
Build a strong foundation by coding unit tests early on.
Browse courses on Unit Tests
Show steps
  • Read Unit Testing best practices
  • Write a unit test for a simple function
Find a Tutorial on Mocks
Supplement your learning by finding a tutorial on using mocks in Python.
Browse courses on Mocking
Show steps
  • Search for a tutorial on mocks in Python
  • Follow the tutorial to learn how to use mocks
Find a Tutorial on Test-Driven Development
Gain a comprehensive understanding by finding a tutorial on Test-Driven Development.
Browse courses on TDD
Show steps
  • Search for a tutorial on Test-Driven Development
  • Follow the tutorial to learn the principles of TDD
Translate User Specs to Unit Tests
Develop a deeper understanding by translating user specs into unit tests.
Browse courses on TDD
Show steps
  • Identify the requirements of a user story
  • Write a unit test that covers those requirements
Create a Mock Object
Gain hands-on experience by creating a mock object.
Browse courses on Mocking
Show steps
  • Identify a dependency that needs to be mocked
  • Create a mock object for that dependency
  • Write a unit test that uses the mock object
Implement the Red-Green-Refactor Cycle
Solidify your understanding by implementing the Red-Green-Refactor cycle in practice.
Browse courses on TDD
Show steps
  • Start with a failing test
  • Write code to make the test pass
  • Refactor the code to improve its design
Read 'xUnit Test Patterns'
Expand your knowledge by reading a book on xUnit test patterns.
View xUnit Test Patterns: Refactoring Test Code... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book
  • Identify patterns that you can apply to your own testing

Career center

Learners who complete A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Test Engineer
A Software Test Engineer creates and executes test cases to evaluate the functionality and performance of software applications. They develop test plans, write test scripts, and analyze test results to identify and report defects. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Test-Driven Development, which will be invaluable for Software Test Engineers who want to improve the quality and reliability of their testing efforts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops and maintains computer systems and applications. They analyze user needs, develop and test software solutions, and ensure the software meets quality and performance standards. This course's focus on Test-Driven Development will help build a foundation for writing automated unit tests, ensuring the software meets user specifications and performs as expected.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
QA Analyst
A QA Analyst plans and executes quality assurance tests to ensure that software and applications meet user requirements and standards. They develop test cases, write test scripts, and analyze test results to identify and report defects. This course's focus on Test-Driven Development will help QA Analysts write more effective test cases and improve the overall quality of their testing processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for QA Analyst
Developer
A Developer designs, develops and maintains computer systems and applications. They analyze user needs, develop and test software solutions, and ensure the software meets quality and performance standards. This course's practical approach to Test-Driven Development will help Developers write more reliable and maintainable code, and improve the overall quality of their software products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Developer
Test Lead
A Test Lead manages and coordinates software testing activities within a project or organization. They develop and implement test plans, lead testing teams, and report on test results. This course's emphasis on Test-Driven Development will help Test Leads improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their testing teams, and ensure that the software meets user specifications and quality standards.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Lead
Software Architect
A Software Architect designs and develops the overall architecture of software systems and applications. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design and implement software solutions, and ensure the software meets quality and performance standards. This course's focus on Test-Driven Development will help Software Architects design and develop more reliable and maintainable software systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect
Product Manager
A Product Manager manages the development and launch of software products. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, define product vision, and ensure the product meets user needs and market expectations. This course's practical approach to Test-Driven Development will help Product Managers improve the quality and reliability of their software products, and ensure that they meet the needs of their users.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst gathers and analyzes business requirements to develop software solutions that meet the needs of an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify and document requirements, and ensure that the software meets the organization's business objectives. This course's focus on Test-Driven Development will help Business Analysts write more effective requirements, and ensure that the software meets the needs of the organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and controls software development projects. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, define project scope, and ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. This course's practical approach to Test-Driven Development will help Project Managers improve the quality and reliability of their software projects, and ensure that they meet the needs of their stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract insights and develop data-driven solutions. They work with stakeholders to identify and solve business problems, and ensure that the data-driven solutions are effective and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to improve the quality and reliability of their data-driven solutions, and ensure that they meet the needs of their stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
A Machine Learning Engineer designs and develops machine learning models to solve business problems. They work with stakeholders to identify and solve business problems, and ensure that the machine learning models are effective and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to improve the quality and reliability of their machine learning models, and ensure that they meet the needs of their stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract insights and develop data-driven solutions. They work with stakeholders to identify and solve business problems, and ensure that the data-driven solutions are effective and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to improve the quality and reliability of their data-driven solutions, and ensure that they meet the needs of their stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Software Developer
A Software Developer designs, develops and maintains computer systems and applications. They analyze user needs, develop and test software solutions, and ensure the software meets quality and performance standards. This course may be useful for Software Developers who want to improve the quality and reliability of their software products, and ensure that they meet the needs of their users.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst gathers and analyzes business requirements to develop software solutions that meet the needs of an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify and document requirements, and ensure that the software meets the organization's business objectives. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to improve the quality and reliability of their software solutions, and ensure that they meet the needs of the organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator designs, develops and maintains database systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design and implement database solutions, and ensure the database meets quality and performance standards. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to improve the quality and reliability of their database systems, and ensure that they meet the needs of their users.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development.
Cover image
Growing Object-oriented Software, Guided by Tests
Save
Provides a practical guide to test-driven development in object-oriented software. It covers the principles of TDD, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about TDD in an object-oriented context.
Growing Object-Oriented Software, Guided by Tests
Paperback
$$
Growing Object-Oriented Software, Guided by Tests...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Domain-Driven Design Reference
Save
Provides a practical guide to domain-driven design. It covers the principles of domain-driven design, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about domain-driven design.
Domain-Driven Design Reference: Definitions and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Architecture Patterns with Python
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Test-Driven Development (TDD) with Python. It covers all the steps of TDD, from writing unit tests to refactoring code. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about TDD.
Architecture Patterns with Python: Enabling Test...
Paperback
$$
Architecture Patterns with Python: Enabling Test...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Effective Java
Save
Provides a set of guidelines for writing effective Java code. It covers topics such as object-oriented programming, generics, and concurrency. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their Java coding skills.
Effective Java
Paperback
$$
Effective Java
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Head First Design Patterns
Save
Provides a practical guide to design patterns. It covers the most common design patterns, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about design patterns.
Head First Design Patterns: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Test-Driven Development for Embedded C
Save
Provides a practical guide to test-driven development for embedded C. It covers the principles of test-driven development, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects.
Test-Driven Development for Embedded C
Paperback
Check
Test-Driven Development for Embedded C
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Agile Testing Collection
Save
Provides a practical guide to agile testing. It covers the principles of agile testing, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about agile testing.
Agile Testing Collection, The (Addison-Wesley...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
xUnit Test Patterns
Save
Provides a catalog of refactoring patterns for test code. It covers patterns for improving the readability, maintainability, and performance of test code. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their test code.
xUnit Test Patterns: Refactoring Test Code (Addison...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Agile Principles, Patterns, and Practices in C#
Save
Provides a practical guide to agile development in C#. It covers the principles of agile development, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects.
Agile Principles, Patterns, and Practices in C#
Hardcover
$$$
Agile Principles, Patterns, and Practices in C#...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Brutal Refactoring
Save
Provides a practical guide to working with legacy code. It covers the principles of working with legacy code, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects.
Brutal Refactoring
Paperback
Check
Brutal Refactoring
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Clean Architecture
Save
Provides a practical guide to software architecture. It covers the principles of software architecture, as well as how to apply them to real-world projects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about software architecture.
Clean Architecture
Paperback
Check
Clean Architecture
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Pragmatic Programmer
Save
Provides a set of practical principles for software development. It covers topics such as coding, testing, and debugging.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...
Hardcover
$$
Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...
Paperback
$$
Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Robert C. Martin Clean Code Collection...
Save
Provides a set of principles for writing clean code. It covers topics such as unit testing, refactoring, and code documentation. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their coding skills.
The Robert C. Martin Clean Code Collection...
Paperback
Check
The Robert C. Martin Clean Code Collection...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Unit Testing, Third Edition
Save
Classic guide to unit testing. It covers the principles of unit testing, as well as how to write effective unit tests. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their unit testing skills.
The Art of Unit Testing, Third Edition: with...
Paperback
$$
The Art of Unit Testing, Third Edition: with...
Kindle Edition
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development.
Testing and Debugging in .NET Core Applications
Most relevant
Open Source Programming - Master's
Most relevant
Introduction to Open Source Application Development
Most relevant
AI-Powered Development with Codepal: Write & Test To-Do...
Most relevant
Programming for Data Science
Most relevant
Llama for Python Programmers
Most relevant
Data Analysis with Python Project
Most relevant
Web Scraping With GPT: Translate Foreign News Headlines
Most relevant
Text Generation with Cohere: Recognizing Similarities
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
3.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star Empty star
Effort
15 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
LearnQuest
Instructor
Doug Purcell
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Test-Driven Development. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development (viewing)
  2. Test-Driven Development Overview
  3. Test-Driven Development Project: Random Person Generator
  4. Integrating Test-Driven Development into Your Workflow
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a strong foundation in TDD, which is standard in software development
Examines automated unit testing and its applications, which are highly relevant to software testing
Taught by Doug Purcell, who is recognized in the field for their work in software testing
Offers hands-on labs for practical application of TDD techniques
Exclusively covers Python, which may limit its appeal to learners who utilize other programming languages
Focuses primarily on unit testing, which may not be sufficient for learners seeking a more comprehensive understanding of TDD
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to A Practical Introduction to Test-Driven Development.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser