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tdd-refactor-guard

Verify test coverage and generate characterization tests before code refactoring.

114|8|Updated Mar 4, 2025
Search Tags:#code quality#testing#refactoring#test coverage#regression testing#characterization tests
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gustavscirulis/snapgrid --skill tdd-refactor-guard-gustavscirulis
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tdd-refactor-guard
Source: https://github.com/gustavscirulis/snapgrid/tree/main/.claude/skills/skills/testing/tdd-refactor-guard
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gustavscirulis/snapgrid --skill tdd-refactor-guard-gustavscirulis

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill prevents regressions by ensuring adequate test coverage exists before AI modifies existing code, acting as a critical safety net for refactoring operations.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pre-Refactor Test Verification: Analyzes code to determine if sufficient unit tests are in place.
  • Automated Test Generation: If coverage is insufficient, it can initiate the generation of characterization tests.
  • Use Case: Before asking an AI to "refactor this class," you run this guard to confirm that tests exist. If not, the guard will first generate tests to capture the current behavior, ensuring the refactoring doesn't break anything unexpectedly.

Quick Start

Run the tdd-refactor-guard skill to check test coverage for the ItemManager.swift file before refactoring.

Frequently Asked Questions about tdd-refactor-guard

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I prevent regressions when refactoring code with AI?▼

To prevent regressions during AI-assisted code refactoring, you must verify existing test coverage and quality beforehand. This skill identifies files and public API surfaces to assess coverage levels, ensuring refactoring safety by preventing unexpected behavioral breaks.

What are characterization tests and when do I need them before refactoring?▼

Characterization tests capture the current behavior of existing code before modifications. You need them before refactoring when unit test coverage is insufficient, ensuring that any changes made during the process do not unexpectedly break existing functionality.

How do I check if my test coverage is sufficient for a safe code refactor?▼

You can check test coverage sufficiency by analyzing the codebase to identify files and public API surfaces. This skill assesses test coverage levels to determine if adequate unit tests are in place before authorizing AI-assisted refactoring operations.

Can I automatically generate tests for uncovered code before modifying it?▼

Yes, if test coverage is insufficient, this skill can initiate automated test generation. It recommends and generates characterization tests for uncovered code, creating a safety net that captures current behavior before refactoring begins.

Does this test coverage guard work without any external testing dependencies?▼

Yes, the test coverage guard operates without external dependencies. It uses internal scripts and references to analyze code, verify existing test quality, and generate characterization tests for unprotected public API surfaces.

Why does AI refactoring break existing functionality without test coverage?▼

AI refactoring breaks functionality without test coverage because there is no safety net to detect behavioral changes. Verifying test coverage beforehand ensures that any regressions introduced during code modification are immediately caught.

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