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AlabamaMike
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test-driven-development

Enforce failing tests before production code across software projects.

Updated Oct 28, 2025
Search Tags:#workflow#testing#development#TDD#refactoring#bug prevention#quality
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/AlabamaMike/copilot-agents --skill test-driven-development-alabamamike
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-driven-development
Source: https://github.com/AlabamaMike/copilot-agents/tree/main/.codex/superpowers/skills/test-driven-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/AlabamaMike/copilot-agents --skill test-driven-development-alabamamike

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Developers often write code first and then add tests, leading to tests that don't truly verify behavior or miss critical edge cases. This approach makes refactoring risky and debugging harder. This skill enforces the TDD cycle, ensuring every piece of production code has a failing test first, proving its validity and preventing regressions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Red-Green-Refactor Cycle: Guides through writing failing tests, minimal implementation, and cleanup.
  • Behavior-First Development: Ensures tests verify actual behavior, not just implementation details.
  • Bug Prevention: Catches bugs early by requiring a failing test before any production code.
  • Use Case: When implementing any new feature, use this skill to guide you through writing a failing test, then the minimal code to pass it, ensuring your feature is well-tested from the start.

Quick Start

Use the test-driven-development skill to implement the 'user login' feature.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-driven-development

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I implement test-driven development in my workflow?▼

Test-driven development enforces writing a failing test first, then minimal production code to pass it, then refactoring. This cycle—red, green, refactor—ensures every feature is tested from the start and prevents bugs by proving behavior before implementation.

Why should I write tests before code?▼

Writing tests first catches bugs early and forces you to think through expected behavior upfront. Tests verify actual behavior rather than implementation details, making refactoring safer and debugging easier when issues arise.

Can I use test-driven development for bug fixes and refactoring?▼

Yes. TDD applies to new features, bug fixes, refactors, and behavior changes. For bug fixes, write a failing test that reproduces the bug, then fix the code. For refactoring, tests verify behavior remains unchanged while code improves.

What's the best way to prevent regressions during development?▼

Enforce a failing test before any production code. Automated tests verify behavior continuously, catching regressions immediately. This TDD practice ensures changes don't break existing functionality across your codebase.

How do I know if test-driven development fits my project?▼

TDD works for any software project implementing new features, fixing bugs, or refactoring code. It's most effective when you need confidence that behavior is correct and want to reduce debugging time and catch edge cases early.

What happens if I skip the failing test step?▼

Skipping the failing test defeats TDD's core purpose. Without a failing test, you cannot prove the code actually solves the problem, tests may miss edge cases, and refactoring becomes risky. The failing test is the requirement that drives implementation.

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