What are the benefits of writing test code before implementing new features or functionalities in PHP development?

Writing test code before implementing new features or functionalities in PHP development helps ensure that the new code works as expected and does not introduce any bugs or regressions. It allows developers to catch potential issues early on and provides a safety net for future changes. Additionally, writing tests can improve code quality, maintainability, and overall development efficiency.

// Example of writing a PHPUnit test for a PHP function before implementing it
use PHPUnit\Framework\TestCase;

class MyFunctionTest extends TestCase {
    public function testMyFunction() {
        // Arrange
        $input = 5;
        
        // Act
        $output = myFunction($input);
        
        // Assert
        $this->assertEquals(10, $output);
    }
}

// Function to be implemented
function myFunction($input) {
    return $input * 2;
}