test-driven-development

Enforce a Red-Green-Refactor cycle requiring failing tests before production code.

Updated Apr 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/NeuralChainX/Superpowers --skill test-driven-development-neuralchainx
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-driven-development
Source: https://github.com/NeuralChainX/Superpowers/tree/main/skills/test-driven-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/NeuralChainX/Superpowers --skill test-driven-development-neuralchainx

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill eliminates the technical debt and instability caused by writing code before verifying requirements, ensuring that every feature is backed by a failing test that proves its necessity.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Red-Green-Refactor Cycle: Enforces the strict TDD workflow to ensure code is minimal, tested, and clean.
  • Regression Prevention: Automatically catches breaking changes by maintaining a comprehensive suite of behavior-driven tests.
  • Use Case: When implementing a complex bug fix or a new feature, this skill guides the agent to write a failing test first, preventing the common pitfall of writing untested or over-engineered code.

Quick Start

Apply the test-driven-development skill to guide the implementation of the new user authentication module by writing the failing test first.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-driven-development

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

FAQPage Schema
How does the Red-Green-Refactor cycle work for test-driven development?

The Red-Green-Refactor cycle enforces writing a failing test first, then creating minimal production code to pass it, and finally cleaning up the design. This strict test-driven development workflow ensures code remains tested and regression-free.

How do I prevent regressions when refactoring production code?

To prevent regressions during refactoring, enforce writing a failing test before modifying any production code. This behavior-driven testing approach catches breaking changes automatically by verifying that all existing and new functionality remains intact.

When do I need to write a failing test for a new feature?

You need to write a failing test for a new feature before any production code is created. This test-driven development requirement proves the feature's necessity, prevents over-engineering, and eliminates technical debt caused by writing untested code.

Can I use test-driven development for both bug fixes and new feature implementation?

Yes, test-driven development applies to both bug fixes and new feature implementation. It requires establishing a corresponding failing test first for any code change, ensuring high software quality and preventing regressions across all development tasks.

What's the best way to enforce strict TDD across an engineering team?

The best way to enforce strict TDD is to prohibit the creation of production code without prior test verification. Mandating the Red-Green-Refactor methodology ensures all team members write minimal, tested, and clean code for every task.

Why does writing code before tests cause technical debt?

Writing code before tests causes technical debt because it skips verifying requirements upfront. Test-driven development eliminates this instability by ensuring every feature is backed by a failing test that proves its necessity before implementation begins.