Test Writer

Writes failing tests that define expected behavior before implementation exists.

1|Updated Apr 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/htxryan/claude-code-config-profiles --skill test-writer-htxryan
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Test Writer
Source: https://github.com/htxryan/claude-code-config-profiles/tree/main/.agents/skills/compound/agents/test-writer
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/htxryan/claude-code-config-profiles --skill test-writer-htxryan

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Teams practicing test-driven development need tests written before any implementation exists, and those tests must fail for the right reason (missing implementation, not syntax errors). This Skill enforces strict TDD discipline by generating comprehensive failing tests that define the expected behavior of a feature upfront. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Test-First Authoring: Writes happy path, edge case (empty input, boundaries, nulls), and error case tests against the real, not-yet-existing public API. - Failure Verification: Runs the tests to confirm they fail because the implementation is missing, not because of test bugs, and never mocks the unit under test. - Parallel Test Generation: Spawns subagents to write multiple test files in parallel, coordinating to avoid duplicate setup. - Use Case: Given a feature spec for a new API endpoint, the Skill produces a complete test suite covering valid inputs, boundary conditions, and failure modes, then hands it off to an implementer agent once the tests fail correctly. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to write failing TDD tests for the feature described in your spec or issue before any implementation begins.

Frequently Asked Questions about Test Writer

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write tests before the implementation exists?▼

Identify the public API surface from the spec or issue, then write tests that call the real functions even though they do not exist yet. Run the tests to confirm they fail due to missing implementation rather than syntax errors.

What is test-driven development and how does it work?▼

Test-driven development is a workflow where failing tests are written first to define expected behavior, then implementation is written to make them pass. This Skill handles the test-first phase, covering happy paths, edge cases, and error cases.

Should I mock the code being tested in TDD?▼

No, this Skill explicitly forbids mocking the unit under test. Tests must call the real functions so failures accurately reflect missing implementation, keeping the tests honest about actual behavior.

Why do my TDD tests fail for the wrong reason?▼

Tests fail for the wrong reason when they contain syntax errors, incorrect imports, or broken setup rather than a missing implementation. Always run the suite and verify each failure message points to the absent function or module.

How do I write tests for multiple files or modules at once?▼

Spawn one subagent per test file or module to write tests in parallel. Coordinate between agents to avoid duplicating shared test setup and fixtures across files.