TDD Implementation Workflow

Automate the TDD workflow with RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycles.

101|2|Updated Jan 7, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #workflow #testing #tdd #refactor #unit-testing

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cowwoc/cat --skill tdd-implementation-workflow

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: TDD Implementation Workflow
Source: https://github.com/cowwoc/cat/tree/main/plugin/skills/tdd-implementation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cowwoc/cat --skill tdd-implementation-workflow

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill formalizes and automates the Test-Driven Development workflow to guide feature design through upfront behavior specification, reducing guesswork and rework.

Core Features & Use Cases

Test-first design: Define expected behavior with tests before implementing code.
RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle: Enforce incremental, verifiable progress and refactoring discipline.
Use Case: For a new feature, write a failing test, implement just enough code to pass, then refactor.

Quick Start

Use the TDD skill to drive feature development by first writing a failing test, then implementing code to pass it, and finally refactoring to improve quality.

Frequently Asked Questions about TDD Implementation Workflow

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I automate the test-driven development workflow for feature development?▼

Automating the TDD workflow requires orchestrating a RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle to drive feature implementation through test-first design. This approach formalizes upfront behavior specification, ensuring incremental, verifiable progress across multiple stacks by writing a failing test, implementing code to pass, then refactoring.

What is the RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle in unit testing?▼

The RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle in unit testing is a test-first design process where you write a failing test, implement just enough code to pass it, and then refactor to improve quality. This enforces verifiable progress and refactoring discipline across multiple stacks.

When should I skip TDD in my software engineering workflow?▼

You should skip TDD when deterministic task orchestration and upfront behavior specification are not feasible or necessary for the software engineering task. Explicit guidance within the workflow helps identify scenarios where test-first design does not provide sufficient value or adds unnecessary rework.

Does test-driven development work across multiple tech stacks?▼

Test-driven development applies effectively across multiple stacks when integrated with a test harness. The workflow requires deterministic task orchestration to enforce the RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle, ensuring reliable software delivery regardless of the specific technology stack being used for feature development.

What's the best way to enforce refactoring discipline during feature development?▼

The best way to enforce refactoring discipline is by adhering strictly to the RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle within an automated TDD workflow. By writing a failing test, passing it with minimal code, and refactoring immediately, you ensure verifiable progress and continuous quality improvement without breaking existing behavior.