test-driven-development

Enforce a Red-Green-Refactor cycle with failing tests before implementation.

Updated Nov 22, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tom-xs/nixos-dotfiles --skill test-driven-development-tom-xs
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-driven-development
Source: https://github.com/tom-xs/nixos-dotfiles/tree/main/ai/kimi-skills/skills/test-driven-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tom-xs/nixos-dotfiles --skill test-driven-development-tom-xs

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill eliminates the uncertainty of untested code and prevents regressions by enforcing a strict Red-Green-Refactor cycle, ensuring that every feature is verified by a failing test before implementation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Cycle Enforcement: Guides the user through the mandatory Red-Green-Refactor workflow to ensure high-quality, testable code.
  • Quality Guardrails: Provides clear criteria for writing effective tests and avoiding common rationalizations that lead to technical debt.
  • Use Case: When implementing a new API endpoint, use this skill to define the expected behavior via a failing test first, ensuring the subsequent implementation is minimal and correct.

Quick Start

Initiate the test-driven-development skill to begin the cycle for your current feature or bug fix.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-driven-development

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I enforce a strict test-driven development workflow for new features?

You can enforce a strict test-driven development workflow by following the Red-Green-Refactor cycle, writing a failing test for the expected behavior before implementing any production code.

What is the best way to prevent code regressions during refactoring tasks?

The best way to prevent regressions during refactoring is to maintain rigorous test-driven development cycles, ensuring all existing and new behaviors are verified by real-world behavioral assertions.

How does the Red-Green-Refactor cycle work in software engineering?

The Red-Green-Refactor cycle works by first writing a failing test for a specific behavior, implementing the minimal code to pass that test, and then cleaning up the code without changing its behavior.

Can I use mock-based testing when following a TDD workflow?

This approach steers away from mock-based testing, instead requiring the use of real-world behavioral assertions to verify production code and ensure high-quality, testable software engineering outcomes.

How do I apply TDD principles to bug fixes?

To apply TDD to bug fixes, you write a failing test that reproduces the specific bug, implement the fix to make the test pass, and then refactor the code to eliminate technical debt.

When should I not use test-driven development for my project?

You should avoid this strict TDD approach if your task requires rapid prototyping without immediate test verification, or if your environment cannot support real-world behavioral assertions.