/test-driven-development

name: test-driven-development
description: Use when implementing a feature, fixing a bug, or changing behavior in Cursor and you want a disciplined red-green-refactor workflow.

Test-Driven Development

Goal

Write the failing test first, then the smallest implementation that makes it pass.

Workflow

1. Write one failing test for one behavior. 2. Run it and confirm it fails for the right reason. 3. Implement the minimal code needed to pass. 4. Re-run the test and nearby checks. 5. Refactor while keeping everything green. 6. Repeat for the next behavior.

Rules

• No production code before a failing test unless the user explicitly asks to skip TDD.
• Keep tests focused on behavior, not incidental implementation details.
• Prefer real code paths over heavy mocking.
• If the test passes immediately, you are probably testing existing behavior or the wrong thing.
• Use `verification-before-completion` before claiming the bug or feature is finished.

Good Test Qualities

• one behavior
• clear name
• obvious expected outcome
• minimal setup
• catches the intended regression