test-driven-development

Enforce RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycles with failing tests before code changes.

31|8|Updated Apr 10, 2026

Search Tags:#tdd #red-green-refactor #unit-testing #test-first #atomic-commits #regression-prevention

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/itallstartedwithaidea/agent-skills --skill test-driven-development-itallstartedwithaidea

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-driven-development
Source: https://github.com/itallstartedwithaidea/agent-skills/tree/main/skills/software-dev/test-driven-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/itallstartedwithaidea/agent-skills --skill test-driven-development-itallstartedwithaidea

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Test-Driven Development (TDD) prevents agents from generating large amounts of untested code by enforcing a tight failing-test first workflow (RED-GREEN-REFACTOR) that guarantees behavioral coverage.

Core Features & Use Cases

RED-GREEN-REFACTOR Discipline: Write a failing test, implement the minimal code to pass, then refactor while keeping tests green.
Regressions Prevention: Fix bugs by first writing the test that reproduces the failure, ensuring the same issue cannot silently return.
Atomic, Reviewable Changes: Commit after each complete cycle so the design narrative is traceable and easy to review.
Use Cases: Building APIs, business logic, and data transformations where correctness under edge cases matters, and where confidence against regressions is required.

Quick Start

Ask your agent to follow RED-GREEN-REFACTOR for the next change and commit after the test-driven cycle is fully green.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-driven-development

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

FAQPage Schema

How does test-driven development prevent regressions when building APIs?▼

Test-driven development prevents regressions by requiring a failing test that reproduces the bug before writing any fix, ensuring the same issue cannot silently return. This red-green-refactor workflow guarantees behavioral coverage for APIs and business logic.

What is the red-green-refactor cycle for unit testing?▼

The red-green-refactor cycle is a unit testing workflow where you write a failing test first, then implement minimal code to pass it, and finally refactor while keeping all tests green. This enforces correct software behavior through tight, test-first discipline.

How do I fix bugs using a test-first approach?▼

To fix bugs using a test-first approach, write a failing test that reproduces the exact failure first, then implement the minimal code to pass the test, and finally refactor. This ensures the regression is permanently prevented and changes remain atomic.

Can I use test-driven development for data transformations and business logic?▼

Yes, you can use test-driven development for data transformations and business logic where correctness under edge cases matters. It enforces a failing-test first workflow that guarantees behavioral coverage across APIs, logic modules, and data processing.

When should I commit code in a test-driven development workflow?▼

In a test-driven development workflow, you should commit code after each complete red-green-refactor cycle is fully green. This practice creates atomic, reviewable changes so the design narrative remains traceable and easy to review.