test-driven-development

Enforces red-green-refactor test-first workflow before writing any production code.

Updated Jul 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/DagimAlemayehuu/AgenticEngineering --skill test-driven-development-dagimalemayehuu
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-driven-development
Source: https://github.com/DagimAlemayehuu/AgenticEngineering/tree/main/agentic-engineering/core/dependencies/quality/test-driven-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/DagimAlemayehuu/AgenticEngineering --skill test-driven-development-dagimalemayehuu

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Developers often write production code first and add tests afterward, which produces tests that pass immediately and prove nothing about correctness. This Skill enforces a strict test-first discipline so every feature and bugfix is backed by a test that was watched failing before implementation. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Red-Green-Refactor Cycle: Guides writing one minimal failing test, verifying it fails for the right reason, implementing minimal code to pass, then refactoring while staying green. - Rationalization Detection: Lists common excuses for skipping TDD ("too simple to test", "I'll test after") with concrete rebuttals and red flags that trigger a restart. - Testing Anti-Pattern Reference: Companion guide covering mock behavior testing, test-only production methods, incomplete mocks, and mocking without understanding dependencies. - Use Case: When fixing a bug where empty emails are accepted, write a failing test asserting the rejection error, watch it fail, implement the validation, and confirm the suite passes before committing. ## Quick Start Use the test-driven-development skill to implement this feature by writing a failing test first, then the minimal code to make it pass.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-driven-development

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I practice test-driven development on a new feature?▼

Write one minimal failing test describing the desired behavior, run it and confirm it fails because the feature is missing, then write the simplest code to pass. Refactor only while tests stay green, then repeat with the next failing test.

How do I write a failing test for a bug fix?▼

Write a test that reproduces the bug by asserting the correct behavior, then run it to confirm it fails. Implement the minimal fix, verify the test passes and no other tests break, which also prevents future regressions.

Why should tests be written before implementation code?▼

Tests written after code pass immediately, which proves nothing since they may test the wrong thing or mirror the implementation. Watching a test fail first proves it actually exercises the missing behavior and catches real bugs.

When is it acceptable to skip test-driven development?▼

Exceptions are limited to throwaway prototypes, generated code, and configuration files, and only with explicit approval from your human partner. Exploration is fine, but the exploratory code must be discarded and rewritten test-first.

What are common testing anti-patterns with mocks?▼

Key anti-patterns include asserting on mock elements instead of real behavior, adding test-only methods to production classes, mocking without understanding side effects, and creating incomplete mocks missing fields downstream code uses. Mock minimally at the right level and mirror real API structures completely.