test-first

Generate failing tests upfront and iteratively develop code to pass them.

118|10|Updated Mar 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/heyallencao/KeyStore --skill test-first-heyallencao
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: test-first
Source: https://github.com/heyallencao/KeyStore/tree/main/execution/test-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/heyallencao/KeyStore --skill test-first-heyallencao

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes assets (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers and teams verify that their code changes meet specified criteria by enforcing a test-first approach, reducing bugs and improving reliability.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Define Clear Done Criteria: Extracts verification conditions from planning documents.
  • Create Test Contracts: Guides the creation of comprehensive test scenarios to validate functionality.
  • Use Case: When developing a new feature, generate corresponding tests that must fail initially, then write minimal code to pass them, ensuring robust and verified implementation.

Quick Start

Use the Skill to generate a test contract for the current code block and ensure all scenarios are covered before starting development.

Frequently Asked Questions about test-first

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

FAQPage Schema
What is test-first development and how does it verify code correctness?

Test-first development is a technique where you write failing checks before implementation to define clear done criteria. It guides the creation of test contracts to validate functionality, ensuring code changes meet specified criteria and reducing bugs.

How do I create a test contract before implementing a new feature?

To create a test contract, extract verification conditions from your planning documents and generate comprehensive test scenarios that must fail initially. You then write minimal code iteratively until all tests pass, ensuring robust and verified implementation.

Do I need a specific testing framework to use a test-first approach?

Yes, you need a testing framework compatible with your project environment to run and validate test cases. The framework executes your test contracts and verifies that your iterative code changes successfully pass the failing checks.

When should I use test-driven development for quality assurance?

You should use test-driven development when you need to verify that code changes meet specified criteria and improve reliability. It is applicable in development workflows emphasizing quality assurance and verified software delivery.

Can I generate test scenarios from existing planning documents?

Yes, you can generate test scenarios by extracting verification conditions directly from your planning documents. This process defines clear done criteria and creates comprehensive test contracts to validate functionality before development begins.

What are the limitations of enforcing a test-first approach?

The primary limitation of a test-first approach is the strict requirement for a compatible testing framework in your project environment. Without one, you cannot run or validate test cases to confirm your code meets the extracted verification conditions.