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name: bats-testing-patterns description: "Master Bash Automated Testing System (Bats) for comprehensive shell script testing. Use when writing tests for shell scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or requiring test-driven development of shell utilities." risk: unknown source: community date_added: "2026-02-27"

Bats Testing Patterns

Comprehensive guidance for writing comprehensive unit tests for shell scripts using Bats (Bash Automated Testing System), including test patterns, fixtures, and best practices for production-grade shell testing.

Use this skill when

• Writing unit tests for shell scripts
• Implementing TDD for scripts
• Setting up automated testing in CI/CD pipelines
• Testing edge cases and error conditions
• Validating behavior across shell environments

Do not use this skill when

• The project does not use shell scripts
• You need integration tests beyond shell behavior
• The goal is only linting or formatting

Instructions

• Confirm shell dialects and supported environments.
• Set up a test structure with helpers and fixtures.
• Write tests for exit codes, output, and side effects.
• Add setup/teardown and run tests in CI.
• If detailed examples are required, open resources/implementation-playbook.md.

Resources

• resources/implementation-playbook.md for detailed patterns and examples.

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.