| name | TDD-debug |
| description | Test-Driven Development debug workflow combined with multi-agent collab-fix. Use when the user asks to "TDD debug", "reproduce and fix with a test", or wants a bug fixed with a failing test written first and verified after the fix. |
| allowed-tools | ["Bash","Read","Edit","Write","Grep","Glob","Agent","AskUserQuestion"] |
TDD Debug Protocol
Debug the user's bug using a Test-Driven Development approach combined with the collab-fix protocol.
Overview
- Write a failing test that reproduces the bug.
- Fix the bug using multi-agent collaboration.
- Verify the test passes after the fix.
Requirements
- A
code-reviewer subagent if available; otherwise use the general-purpose agent.
- A
test-automator subagent for test design review if available; otherwise use the general-purpose agent.
Constraints
- Timeout: pass
timeout: 1200000 (20 min) when calling Bash for codex/gemini commands.
- The test MUST fail before the fix and MUST pass after the fix.
- Preserve the user's bug description verbatim alongside any expansion you add.
Phase 1: Reproduce the Bug with a Failing Test
1.1 Analyze the Bug
Expand the bug description with context: expected behavior, actual (buggy) behavior, relevant code paths, the project's testing framework. Keep the user's wording verbatim alongside your notes.
1.2 Design the Test (parallel)
Ask codex, gemini-cli, and a test-automator subagent to each propose a reproducing test:
- codex:
echo "Given this bug: <description>. Design a test case that will FAIL when the bug exists and PASS when fixed. Include the test code and explain why it catches this bug." | codex exec --skip-git-repo-check --sandbox read-only - 2>/dev/null
- gemini-cli:
gemini "Given this bug: <description>. Design a test case that will FAIL when the bug exists and PASS when fixed. Include the test code and explain why it catches this bug." -o json 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.response'
- subagent: launch a test-automator agent to independently design a reproducing test
1.3 Select and Implement
- Compare the 3 proposals and summarize approaches.
- Use
AskUserQuestion to let the user pick.
- Implement the chosen test in the appropriate test file.
1.4 Verify the Test Fails
- Run the test to confirm it FAILS (proving the bug exists).
- Use
AskUserQuestion:
- Does the test correctly reproduce the bug?
- Does the failure match the expected buggy behavior?
- Is the test implementation acceptable?
- If the user rejects the test, iterate (return to 1.2).
- Do not proceed to Phase 2 until the user confirms the test is valid.
Phase 2: Fix the Bug (collab-fix with test verification)
2.1 Propose Fix Plans (parallel)
- codex:
echo "Analyze this bug: <description>. We have a failing test that reproduces it. Propose a fix plan with steps and tradeoffs. The fix must make the test pass." | codex exec --skip-git-repo-check --sandbox read-only - 2>/dev/null
- gemini-cli:
gemini "Analyze this bug: <description>. We have a failing test that reproduces it. Propose a fix plan with steps and tradeoffs. The fix must make the test pass." -o json 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.response'
- subagent: launch a
code-reviewer agent to propose a fix independently
2.2 Select Fix
Compare the 3 plans, summarize tradeoffs, and ask the user only the necessary questions via AskUserQuestion.
2.3 Implement
Ultrathink and implement the fix yourself. Do not git commit.
2.4 Verify Test Passes
Run the reproducing test. If it still fails, analyze and iterate.
2.5 Cross-Review (parallel)
- codex:
(echo "Review the following uncommitted diff. Verify: 1) The fix is correct, 2) The test is feasible and properly validates the fix, 3) No regressions introduced."; git diff) | codex exec --skip-git-repo-check --sandbox read-only - 2>/dev/null
- gemini-cli:
(echo "Review the following uncommitted diff. Verify: 1) The fix is correct, 2) The test is feasible and properly validates the fix, 3) No regressions introduced."; git diff) | gemini -o json 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.response'
- subagent: launch a
code-reviewer agent focused on test validity
2.6 Iterate
Resolve human-preference items via AskUserQuestion. Repeat 2.3–2.5 until all three reviewers are satisfied AND the test passes, or 5 rounds are reached.
If no consensus after 5 rounds, report:
- Root cause of the bug
- Remaining disputed items
- Whether the test is passing or failing
- Recommendations for resolution
Summary Output
After completion, report:
- Bug description (original)
- Test created — location and purpose
- Fix applied — summary of the changes
- Test status — confirmation it now passes
- Review consensus — final reviewer feedback
