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tdd-failure-recovery

@scooter-indie/virtual-ai-studio-dist
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Handle unexpected test behaviors and recover from TDD issues

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SKILL.md

name tdd-failure-recovery
description Guide experienced developers through TDD failure scenarios and recovery procedures when tests behave unexpectedly
license Complete terms in LICENSE.txt

TDD Failure Recovery

Version: v0.17.1

Guide through diagnosing and recovering from unexpected test behaviors.

When to Use

  • RED phase test passes unexpectedly
  • GREEN phase test still fails
  • REFACTOR phase breaks tests
  • User issues "Rollback-Previous-Step"

Failure Scenarios

Scenario 1: RED Phase Test Passes

Expected: Fail | Actual: Passes

Causes: Feature exists, test too permissive, test setup incorrect

Recovery:

  1. Verify test can fail (add intentional failure)
  2. Check for existing implementation (delete if found)
  3. Review test logic (correct assertion?)
  4. Revise test → Re-run → Verify fails
  5. "Done-Next-Step" → GREEN phase

Scenario 2: GREEN Phase Test Fails

Expected: Pass | Actual: Fails

Causes: Implementation incomplete, bugs, misunderstood requirements

Recovery:

  1. Read failure message carefully
  2. Verify implementation matches requirements
  3. Fix syntax/logic errors
  4. Revise implementation → Re-run
  5. Run full suite (no regressions)
  6. "Done-Next-Step" → REFACTOR phase

Scenario 3: REFACTOR Breaks Tests

Expected: Stay green | Actual: Fails

Recovery:

  1. IMMEDIATE ROLLBACK - Return to last green
  2. Verify tests green again
  3. Options:
    • Skip refactoring
    • Try smaller refactoring
    • Fix brittle test (if over-coupled)
  4. "Done-Next-Step" → Next feature

Scenario 4: Rollback Command

User issues "Rollback-Previous-Step"

Procedure (Single Code Block):

TASK: Rollback to previous working state
STEP 1: Identify changes to undo
STEP 2: Restore previous code
STEP 3: Verify file state matches pre-change
STEP 4: Run full test suite
STEP 5: Verify all tests GREEN
STEP 6: Report: Tests green?

Scenario 5: Inconsistent Test Results

Tests pass sometimes, fail other times

Causes: Order dependency, timing issues, external dependencies, random data

Recovery:

  1. Isolate test (run alone, different order)
  2. Check test isolation (proper setup/teardown)
  3. Fix isolation issues (fixtures, mocks)
  4. Verify consistent pass/fail

Diagnostic Flowchart

Test failed unexpectedly → What phase?
├─ RED (should fail, but passes) → Test invalid → Revise test
├─ GREEN (should pass, but fails) → Impl incomplete → Revise impl
└─ REFACTOR (should stay green) → ROLLBACK → Try smaller or skip

Prevention Strategies

  1. Verify Each Phase: Always run tests, don't assume
  2. Clear Communication: Report exact results
  3. Maintain Green State: Tests always green except during RED

Golden Rule

Tests should ALWAYS be green except during RED phase
If not green when expected → STOP and recover

End of TDD Failure Recovery Skill