Clojure REPL-Driven Development

Core Workflow

Never write code without REPL validation.

Before modifying any file:

1. Read existing code - Use read to examine target file and related files
2. Verify nREPL connection - Test: clj-nrepl-eval -p 7889 "(+ 1 1)"
3. Explore unfamiliar functions - clj-nrepl-eval -p 7889 "(clojure.repl/doc function-name)"
4. Test in REPL - Define and validate functions before saving
5. Check edge cases - nil, empty collections, invalid inputs
6. Save only after validation - Use edit or write

If nREPL fails, ask: "Please start your nREPL server (e.g., bb nrepl or lein repl :headless)"

Essential Patterns