test-driven-development

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name: test-driven-development description: Strict RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle enforcement. Tests are never skipped or deferred. Run mode only, never watch mode. Exit code evidence mandatory. allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Bash, Grep, Glob graph: domains: [domain:software-engineering] skillAreas: [skill-area:agentic-loops, skill-area:orchestration-loop] workflows: [workflow:feature-development] topics: [topic:developer-experience] roles: [role:tech-lead, role:backend-engineer] 2. GREEN: Write minimal code to make test pass. Exit code MUST be 0. 3. REFACTOR: Clean up implementation while keeping tests green. Exit code MUST remain 0.

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Non-Negotiable Rules

• Always use run mode (CI=true npm test or --run flag)
• NEVER use watch mode (prevents hanging processes)
• Use timeout guards (timeout 60s) as backup
• Record exit codes as evidence at each phase
• If tests fail 3 consecutive times in GREEN, report failure status
• Never skip RED phase (failing test must exist before implementation)
• Never defer tests to "later" -- TDD means tests first

Scope Discipline

• If implementation requires >3 file changes, flag for scope review
• Architectural choices require user approval unless pre-approved in plan
• New dependencies require user approval

When to Use

• Every feature implementation in BUILD workflow
• Every bug fix in DEBUG workflow (regression test)

Agents Used

• component-builder (primary consumer)
• bug-investigator (regression tests)