Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function
Generating tests with AI before the function makes the AI's actual code much easier to trust.
7 min · Reviewed 2026
The big idea
If you ask ChatGPT 'write me a function that does X' you get code you have to trust. If you first ask 'write me 5 tests for a function that does X' and then 'now write the function to pass these tests' — you can run the tests and *see* it works. Same AI, way more trustworthy.
Some examples
You ask Claude for tests for a 'parse a date string' function — the tests reveal you never decided about empty strings.
ChatGPT writes tests for a leap-year checker that catch year 1900 (not a leap year, despite divisible by 4).
Cursor writes tests for a username validator that include emoji — you decide your policy on the spot.
Copilot tests a sort function with already-sorted, reverse-sorted, and one-element arrays — pro-grade coverage you'd skip alone.
Try it!
Pick a tiny function (max 10 lines) you need this week. Ask an AI for 5 tests first. Read them, fix any wrong ones, then ask for the function. Run the tests.
End-of-lesson check
15 questions · take it digitally for instant feedback at tendril.neural-forge.io/learn/quiz/end-builders-aicoding-test-first-with-ai-r7a8-teen
What is the core idea behind "Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function"?
Generating tests with AI before the function makes the AI's actual code much easier to trust.
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Predict actual resource needs
Which term best describes a foundational idea in "Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function"?
AI testing
test-driven development
specifications
verification
A learner studying Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function would need to understand which concept?
test-driven development
specifications
AI testing
verification
Which of these is directly relevant to Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
test-driven development
AI testing
verification
specifications
Which of the following is a key point about Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
You ask Claude for tests for a 'parse a date string' function — the tests reveal you never decided a…
ChatGPT writes tests for a leap-year checker that catch year 1900 (not a leap year, despite divisibl…
Cursor writes tests for a username validator that include emoji — you decide your policy on the spot.
Copilot tests a sort function with already-sorted, reverse-sorted, and one-element arrays — pro-grad…
Which of these does NOT belong in a discussion of Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
Cursor writes tests for a username validator that include emoji — you decide your policy on the spot.
You ask Claude for tests for a 'parse a date string' function — the tests reveal you never decided a…
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
ChatGPT writes tests for a leap-year checker that catch year 1900 (not a leap year, despite divisibl…
What is the key insight about "The rule" in the context of Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Tests first, code second. If the AI's tests look wrong, fix them — the function is now easy.
Predict actual resource needs
What is the recommended tip about "Review before you run" in the context of Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Predict actual resource needs
AI code is a first draft. Read through it, understand each line, and test on sample inputs before merging into real proj…
Which statement accurately describes an aspect of Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
If you ask ChatGPT 'write me a function that does X' you get code you have to trust.
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Predict actual resource needs
What does working with Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function typically involve?
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Pick a tiny function (max 10 lines) you need this week. Ask an AI for 5 tests first.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Predict actual resource needs
Which best describes the scope of "Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function"?
It is unrelated to ai-coding workflows
It applies only to the opposite beginner tier
It focuses on Generating tests with AI before the function makes the AI's actual code much easier to trust.
It was deprecated in 2024 and no longer relevant
Which section heading best belongs in a lesson about Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Predict actual resource needs
Some examples
Which section heading best belongs in a lesson about Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
Try it!
AI can invent function names that look real but aren't — always test the code.
Cluster failure stack traces by similarity
Predict actual resource needs
Which of the following is a concept covered in Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?
AI testing
test-driven development
specifications
verification
Which of the following is a concept covered in Asking ChatGPT to Write the Tests Before the Function?