Description: An expectation in testing is a condition that must be met for the test to pass. In the context of test-driven development (TDD), expectations are fundamental to defining the expected behavior of a function or system. These expectations serve as success criteria that guide the development process, ensuring that the software not only works but also meets established requirements. Expectations can be both explicit, as in the case of unit tests where the expected outcome of a function is specified, and implicit, where standard behavior is assumed. Clarity in defining expectations is crucial, as any ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and errors in development. Additionally, expectations allow developers and testers to quickly identify if a change in the code has negatively affected the software’s functionality, thus facilitating error detection and continuous product improvement. In summary, expectations are an essential component in the software development lifecycle, providing a clear framework for validating and verifying implemented functionalities.
