timer-testing-patterns

name	timer-testing-patterns
description	Efficient patterns for testing time-based game features, including timer manipulation and countdown verification. Use when testing timer functionality, countdown features, or time-based game mechanics. Never wait for natural countdown - use test seam setTimer() commands instead.

Timer Testing Patterns

Overview

Efficiently test timer functionality without waiting for natural countdown. Use test seam commands to manipulate timers directly.

Timer Manipulation

Use test seam commands:

• setTimer(seconds) - Set timer to specific value
• fastForwardTimer(seconds) - Decrease timer by specified amount
• triggerGameOver() - Force game over condition

See references/timer-commands.md for detailed command usage.

Testing Workflow

1. Use test seam to set timer to low value (e.g., 3 seconds)
2. Start game
3. Wait for timer to expire
4. Verify game over/level complete behavior
5. Test boundary conditions (9, 10, 11 seconds for color changes)

Avoid Natural Countdown

Never wait for natural countdown (e.g., 60 seconds)

Always use timer manipulation for testing:

• Set timer to low value for quick testing
• Test boundary conditions efficiently
• Verify both positive (timer works) and negative (timer expires) cases

Test Seam Implementation

See references/test-seam-implementation.md for code examples of adding timer commands to test seam.

Resources

• references/timer-commands.md - setTimer(), fastForwardTimer(), triggerGameOver()
• references/test-seam-implementation.md - Code examples for adding timer commands