Test-Driven Development

Core Rule

Work in vertical red-green-refactor slices:

1. RED: write one test for one observable behavior.
2. GREEN: implement the smallest production change that makes that test pass.
3. REFACTOR: clean up only while tests are green.

Do not write a batch of imagined tests before implementation. Each new test should respond to what the last cycle taught you about the actual behavior and interface.

Defaults

• Use bun test for targeted tests and bun run check:types for the type gate.
• Use test, not it, and organize with describe.
• Prefer real dependencies and real runtime boundaries over mocks.
• Mock only external boundaries such as remote APIs, time, randomness, or rare filesystem cases.
• Avoid conditional assertions: assert the branch first, then assert branch-specific values.
• Test both branches for conditionals, fallbacks, and error paths.
• Prefer one stable public/runtime interface for each behavior. If the operator contract is a CLI, test the CLI boundary instead of splitting coverage across private helpers or duplicate wrappers.
• Exercise public interfaces and runtime contracts rather than private helpers.
• Follow applicable repo skills and AGENTS.md rules for the touched area.

When Starting Work

Explore the codebase first. If the public interface, expected behavior, or risk boundary is discoverable from code, tests, or docs, use that evidence instead of asking the user.

Ask one concise question only when the decision cannot be discovered and a reasonable assumption would be risky. Include your recommended answer.

Before writing production code, identify:

• the public interface or runtime boundary under test
• the first observable behavior to prove
• the targeted test command for the cycle
• the broader validation needed before handoff

Cycle Discipline

For each behavior:

1. Add or update exactly one focused test.
2. Run the targeted test and confirm it fails for the intended reason.
3. Implement only enough code to pass.
4. Run the same targeted test and confirm it passes.
5. Refactor if useful, then rerun the affected tests.

If the test passes before production code changes, it is not a valid RED signal. Tighten the test, choose a different behavior, or explain why existing coverage already proves the behavior.

Reference Files

• references/tests.md: behavior-test examples and implementation-detail red flags
• references/mocking.md: boundary-only mocking guidance
• references/interface-design.md: testable public interface design
• references/deep-modules.md: small interface, deep implementation guidance
• references/refactoring.md: refactor checks to run after green