tdd

name	tdd
description	Use when writing production code that needs tests - new features, bug fixes, refactoring. Enforces RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle before any implementation.

TDD Skill

Write the test first. Watch it fail. Write minimal code to pass.

The Iron Law

No production code without a failing test first.

Every line of production code must be justified by a test that failed without it. No exceptions. No shortcuts. No "I'll test after."

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Agent Workflow

1. DETECT  -> Identify stack, test framework, existing test patterns
2. RED     -> Write ONE failing test for the next behavior
3. VERIFY  -> Run test, confirm it fails for the EXPECTED reason
4. GREEN   -> Write the SIMPLEST code that makes the test pass
5. VERIFY  -> Run tests, confirm ALL pass (new + existing)
6. REFACTOR -> Clean up while keeping all tests green
7. REPEAT  -> Next behavior = next failing test

CRITICAL: Never skip VERIFY steps. A test that passes on first run proves nothing.

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RED-GREEN-REFACTOR Cycle

See references/red-green-refactor.md for the detailed cycle with rules and verification steps.

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Reference Guide

Topic	Reference
Full RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle	red-green-refactor.md
Common mistakes and red flags	anti-patterns.md
Per-stack test commands	stack-commands.md

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Quick Reference: Test Commands

Stack	Run Tests	Watch Mode
React/Next.js	npx vitest run	npx vitest
Laravel	php artisan test	php artisan test --watch
Swift	swift test	-
Generic TS	bunx vitest run	bunx vitest
Go	go test ./...	-
Rust	cargo test	cargo watch -x test

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Forbidden Behaviors

• Never write production code before a failing test
• Never skip the VERIFY RED step
• Never accept a test that passes on first run without investigation
• Never mock what you can test directly
• Never write more than one test at a time in RED phase
• Never add features beyond what the current test requires