| name | react-testing-library |
| description | React Testing Library best practices for writing maintainable, user-centric tests. Use when writing, reviewing, or refactoring RTL tests. Triggers on test files, testing patterns, getBy/queryBy queries, userEvent, waitFor, and component testing. |
React Testing Library Best Practices
Comprehensive testing guide for React components using Testing Library, designed for AI agents and LLMs. Contains 43 rules across 9 categories, prioritized by impact to guide test writing and code review.
When to Apply
Reference these guidelines when:
- Writing new component tests with React Testing Library
- Selecting queries (getByRole, getByLabelText, etc.)
- Handling async operations in tests (findBy, waitFor)
- Simulating user interactions (userEvent)
- Reviewing tests for anti-patterns and implementation detail testing
Rule Categories by Priority
| Priority | Category | Impact | Prefix |
|---|
| 1 | Query Selection | CRITICAL | query- |
| 2 | Async Handling | CRITICAL | async- |
| 3 | Common Anti-Patterns | CRITICAL | anti- |
| 4 | User Interaction | HIGH | user- |
| 5 | Assertions | HIGH | assert- |
| 6 | Component Setup | MEDIUM | setup- |
| 7 | Test Structure |