# Test-Driven Development in the Age of AI

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2026-03-18
- Length: 42m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai-SXNJUZLL

## Summary

Luca Jani, an embedded systems expert and host of the Embedded AI Podcast, explains his test-driven development (TDD) workflow using Claude Code, arguing that TDD provides essential control and confidence when AI generates code. He details a three-phase process—test ideas, test outlines, and test implementations—to prevent 'success theater' where AI creates overly generous, weak assertions. The conversation highlights that the real bottleneck in AI-assisted development is expressing clear intent and specifications, not code generation speed, and emphasizes that developers must maintain tight conceptual control while treating AI as a pair programmer.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=0) Introduction: Jeff Gable and Luca Jani on TDD with AI
- [2:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=140) Why TDD is essential for confidence and control with AI
- [6:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=372) Tests as precise specifications for AI behavior
- [10:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=622) Luca's three-phase test workflow: ideas, outlines, implementations
- [15:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=955) Pair programming with AI: Driver and Navigator metaphor
- [21:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=1296) Using AI for code spikes and exploration
- [27:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=1656) AI failure modes: Over-mocking and 'success theater'
- [33:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai#t=2024) The bottleneck is expressing intent, not code generation

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Claude Code (tool)
- Gemini (other)
- VS Code (tool)
- Embedded AI Podcast (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [270: Broccoli Is Good Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-12-14-270-broccoli-is-good-too) (Embedded.fm)
- [30: Eventually Lightning Strikes (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-30-30-eventually-lightning-strikes-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [Embedded Systems Engineer Discusses AI-Driven Testing Revolution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-06-03-embedded-systems-engineer-discusses-ai-driven-testing-revolution) (OnTrack)
- [16: Democracy Is the Worst Form of Government](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-08-28-16-democracy-is-the-worst-form-of-government) (Embedded.fm)
- [109: Resurrection of Extreme Programming (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-10-12-109-resurrection-of-extreme-programming-repeat) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast.