testing-anti-patterns

Testing mocks instead of real code creates brittle tests that fail to catch production issues. This skill identifies and eliminates these anti-patterns by enforcing strict TDD practices and promoting real interactions over mock behavior validation.

To remove test-only methods from production code, review your test suites to identify mocks simulating real behavior, then replace them with real interactions. This skill guides refactoring tests to eliminate test-only constructs and reduce dependency on mocks.

Common testing anti-patterns include verifying mock behavior instead of real code, introducing test-only production constructs, and incomplete mocking. This skill prevents these patterns by enforcing strict TDD practices and proper dependency understanding.

Enforce strict TDD by ensuring tests fail when real code changes lack corresponding test updates. This skill prohibits testing mock behavior and forbids test-only production code to maintain robust tests and production safety.

Avoid using mocks when they simulate real behavior rather than verifying actual code interactions, leading to brittle tests. This skill guides refactoring to reduce mock dependency and replace simulated behavior with real interactions.