In my current role as a Software Developer, the use of unit tests is ingrained in our development process. A major advantage of this is how it enables continual testing and integration, so we know the software's health at any given time.
Working on a specific feature, I found that comprehensive unit tests can significantly reduce time spent on debugging. When errors arise, the developer can identify and address them quickly. This was notably useful when we were developing a complex algorithm for data processing; the unit test suite helped us pinpoint exactly where our logic was breaking.
Moreover, unit tests have allowed for a smoother code refactoring process. As we are reassured that the fundamental behavior of the software remains unchanged, we can make necessary revisions and enhancements with confidence.
Finally, unit tests help enforce modularity and code cleanliness, acting as a protective layer for the underlying software functionality.