tdd-cycle

Orchestrate the TDD RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle with phase transitions and state management.

2|Updated Jan 31, 2026

Search Tags:#code quality #testing #tdd #development workflow #refactoring #test-driven development

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/michaelalber/ai-toolkit --skill tdd-cycle-michaelalber

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tdd-cycle
Source: https://github.com/michaelalber/ai-toolkit/tree/main/skills/tdd-cycle
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/michaelalber/ai-toolkit --skill tdd-cycle-michaelalber

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill enforces the Test-Driven Development (TDD) cycle, ensuring disciplined development by preventing the skipping of essential RED (write failing test) and GREEN (write minimal code) phases, leading to more robust and maintainable code.

Core Features & Use Cases

Enforces TDD Phases: Strictly guides through RED, GREEN, and REFACTOR stages.
State Management: Maintains TDD session state for continuity.
Discipline Enforcement: Prevents AI from bypassing critical steps.
Use Case: When starting a new feature, use this Skill to ensure the AI writes a failing test first, then the minimal code to pass it, before any refactoring, maintaining TDD integrity throughout the development process.

Quick Start

Begin a new TDD session for the 'User Authentication' feature in autonomous mode.

Frequently Asked Questions about tdd-cycle

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I enforce the test-driven development RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle with AI?▼

To enforce the test-driven development cycle with AI, this Skill orchestrates strict RED-GREEN-REFACTOR phase transitions and manages state across turns, preventing the AI from bypassing essential failing test or minimal code steps.

What is the TDD RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle?▼

The TDD RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle is a development workflow where you write a failing test, write minimal code to pass it, and then refactor. This Skill enforces this discipline to produce robust, maintainable code.

Can I use this TDD skill for pair programming and autonomous development modes?▼

Yes, you can use this TDD skill for both pair programming and autonomous development modes. It manages session state across turns using a defined block format to maintain development workflow integrity.

Does this test-driven development skill work with different tech stacks?▼

Yes, this test-driven development skill supports various tech stacks. It provides phase transition logic and AI discipline rules that apply universally, ensuring code quality across different development workflows.

Why does the AI skip writing failing tests during development?▼

The AI skips writing failing tests due to a lack of enforced discipline. This Skill prevents bypassing the critical RED phase by strictly orchestrating TDD phase transitions before allowing any refactoring.