reproduce-reduce-regress

What problem does it solve?

Debugging complex software often requires reproducing failures with realistic inputs, isolating the exact conditions that trigger a bug, and validating fixes with regression tests. This Skill provides a disciplined, three-phase workflow to reproduce bugs using real data, reduce the failing scenario to a minimal reproducer, and establish regression tests to prevent future regressions.

Core Features & Use Cases

• Reproduce with real data: Capture exact inputs, environment, and failing traces to reproduce the bug reliably.
• Reduce to minimal case: Generate multiple minimal failing and near-minimal passing variants to identify the root cause without extraneous data.
• Add regression tests: Convert outcomes into regression tests to guard against future changes and CI regressions.
• Use Case: When a flaky test or a consistent failure appears in CI, apply this workflow to stabilize the bug and document the exact reproduction steps.

Quick Start

• Reproduce: Identify the failing input and environment, and collect the exact data that triggers the bug.
• Reduce: Create several minimal failing and near-minimal passing variants to isolate the root cause.
• Regress: Add regression tests for the failing scenarios and preserve passing cases as a baseline.