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Option C creates an objective verification loop. The tests encode expected traversal behavior for disconnected graphs, cycle handling, weighted edges, invalid inputs, and performance constraints. Claude can implement the algorithm, execute the suite, inspect concrete failures, and refine the implementation until the measurable conditions pass.

Anthropic emphasizes giving Claude a verification mechanism such as tests, builds, linters, or fixture comparisons. Without an executable pass-or-fail check, Claude can only determine that an implementation appears complete. With tests, it can perform work, evaluate the result, and iterate using evidence rather than subjective judgment. Anthropic also recommends reproducing defects with failing tests before applying corrections. ( https://code.claude.com/docs/en/best-practices )

Option A may produce a thoughtful initial design but does not guarantee progressive improvement after implementation. Option B risks inheriting assumptions or deficiencies from a reference that may not match the project’s constraints. Option D depends on manual review and converts the developer into the primary verification system.

The test suite should include correctness fixtures, boundary cases, complexity-sensitive workloads, and regression tests added whenever a new failure is discovered. This makes every iteration cumulative: a correction must satisfy the new case without breaking previously validated behavior.

Official references/topics: Executable Verification; Test-Driven Iteration; Feedback Loops; Regression Testing.