> common-tdd

Enforces Test-Driven Development (Red-Green-Refactor). Use when writing unit tests, implementing TDD, or improving test coverage for any feature. (triggers: **/*.test.ts, **/*.spec.ts, **/*_test.go, **/*Test.java, **/*_test.dart, **/*_spec.rb, tdd, unit test, write test, red green refactor, failing test, test coverage)

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SKILL.mdcommon-tdd

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Priority: P1 (OPERATIONAL)

The Iron Law

NO PRODUCTION CODE WITHOUT A FAILING TEST FIRST. Code written before the test must be deleted. Start over.

The TDD Cycle

  1. RED: Write a minimal failing test. Verify failure (Expected error, not typo).
  2. GREEN: Write simplest code to pass. Verify pass.
  3. REFACTOR: Clean up code while staying green.

AAA Structure (Mandatory)

Every test must follow Arrange-Act-Assert:

  • Arrange: Set up inputs, stubs, mocks, and expected values.
  • Act: Call the single unit under test.
  • Assert: Verify output and side effects. One logical assertion per test. (See AAA Example for code structure).

Coverage Thresholds

  • Minimum: 80% (Statements, Functions, Lines), 75% (Branches).
  • Target: 90% (Statements, Functions, Lines), 85% (Branches).
  • Configure in test runner config (e.g. jest.config.ts, vitest.config.ts). Coverage below minimum is a build-gate failure.

Test Runner Commands

LanguageRunnerWatch ModeCoverage
TypeScript/JSjest / vitestvitest --watchvitest run --coverage
Gogo testgo test -v ./... -count=1go test -cover ./...
JavaJUnit 5 + Mavenmvn testmvn verify -P coverage
KotlinJUnit 5 + Kotest./gradlew test./gradlew jacocoTestReport
Dart/Flutterflutter testflutter test --watchflutter test --coverage

Core Principles

  • Watch it Fail: Prove the test works.
  • Minimalism: Don't add features/options beyond current test (YAGNI).
  • Real Over Mock: Prefer real dependencies unless slow/flaky.
  • One Reason to Fail: Test one behavior per test.
  • Descriptive Names: e.g. should_returnError_when_emailIsInvalid.

When to Use Mocks vs Real Dependencies

  • Database: Real DB (test container) or in-memory; mock as last resort.
  • HTTP/External APIs: Always mock.
  • Filesystem: Use temp dir; mock for unit isolation.
  • Time/Dates: Always mock/control.
  • Internal services: Real if fast (<200ms); mock if cross-network.

Verification Checklist

  • Every new function/method has a failing test first?
  • Failure message was expected?
  • Minimal code implemented passed?
  • AAA structure followed?
  • Coverage thresholds met?

Expert References

🚫 Anti-Patterns

  • Do NOT use standard patterns if specific project rules exist.
  • Do NOT ignore error handling or edge cases.

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first seenMar 17, 2026
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┌ repo

HoangNguyen0403/agent-skills-standard
by HoangNguyen0403
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