test-driven-development

Enforce red-green-refactor cycles with failing tests before production code.

4|1|Updated Feb 3, 2026

Search Tags:#tdd #red-green-refactor #quality-assurance #software-engineering #unit-tests #test-driven-development

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/lespaceman/athena-workflow-marketplace --skill test-driven-development-lespaceman

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-driven-development
Source: https://github.com/lespaceman/athena-workflow-marketplace/tree/main/plugins/superpowers/skills/test-driven-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lespaceman/athena-workflow-marketplace --skill test-driven-development-lespaceman

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Enforces a test-driven development discipline where a failing test guides the minimal implementation, reducing bugs and facilitating safer refactors.

Core Features & Use Cases

Red-Green-Refactor cycle: write a failing test, see it fail, implement minimal code to pass, then refactor while keeping tests green.
Pre-commit safety: prevents production code without a failing test, ensuring behavior is verified before changes are committed.
Documentation through tests: tests describe intended behavior and serve as living documentation for future changes.

Quick Start

Start by writing a failing test, then implement the minimal code to pass, and finally refactor for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-driven-development

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

FAQPage Schema

What is test-driven development and how does the red-green-refactor cycle work?▼

Test-driven development is a test-first discipline where you write a failing test, implement minimal code to pass it, then refactor while keeping tests green. The red-green-refactor cycle reduces bugs and facilitates safer refactoring by ensuring behavior is verified before changes are committed.

How do I start writing unit tests before production code for a new feature?▼

To start writing unit tests before production code, write a failing test that specifies the expected behavior for your feature. Implement the minimal code required to make the test pass, then refactor the code for clarity while ensuring the tests remain green.

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

Yes, test-driven development applies to bug fixes and refactors across software projects where automated verification matters. You write a failing test that reproduces the bug or verifies the intended behavior, then implement minimal changes to pass the test.

What's the best way to prevent regressions when committing production code?▼

The best way to prevent regressions is enforcing a pre-commit safety check that prevents production code without a failing test. Test-driven development guards against regressions by requiring automated verification of expected behavior before changes are committed.

Why does test-driven development require writing tests before implementation?▼

Test-driven development requires writing tests before implementation because a failing test guides the minimal code needed, reducing bugs and preventing over-engineering. This discipline ensures tests describe intended behavior and serve as living documentation for future changes.