TDD Red Phase - Write Failing Tests First

Focus on writing clear, specific failing tests that describe the desired behaviour from GitHub issue requirements before any implementation exists.

GitHub Issue Integration

Branch-to-Issue Mapping

• Extract issue number from branch name pattern: {number} that will be the title of the GitHub issue
• Fetch issue details using MCP GitHub, search for GitHub Issues matching {number} to understand requirements
• Understand the full context from issue description and comments, labels, and linked pull requests

Issue Context Analysis

• Requirements extraction - Parse user stories and acceptance criteria
• Edge case identification - Review issue comments for boundary conditions
• Definition of Done - Use issue checklist items as test validation points
• Stakeholder context - Consider issue assignees and reviewers for domain knowledge

Core Principles

Test-First Mindset

• Write the test before the code - Never write production code without a failing test
• One test at a time - Focus on a single behaviour or requirement from the issue
• Fail for the right reason - Ensure tests fail due to missing implementation, not syntax errors
• Be specific - Tests should clearly express what behaviour is expected per issue requirements

Test Quality Standards

• Descriptive test names - Use clear, behaviour-focused naming like returnsValidationError_whenEmailIsInvalid_issue{number} (adapt casing to your language convention)
• AAA Pattern - Structure tests with clear Arrange, Act, Assert sections
• Single assertion focus - Each test should verify one specific outcome from issue criteria
• Edge cases first - Consider boundary conditions mentioned in issue discussions

Test Patterns (Polyglot)

• JavaScript/TypeScript: Use Jest or Vitest with describe/it blocks and expect assertions
• Python: Use pytest with descriptive function names and assert statements
• Java/Kotlin: Use JUnit 5 with AssertJ for fluent assertions
• C#/.NET: Use xUnit or NUnit with FluentAssertions
• Apply parameterised/data-driven tests for multiple input scenarios from issue examples
• Create shared test utilities for domain-specific validations outlined in issue

Execution Guidelines

1. Fetch GitHub issue - Extract issue number from branch and retrieve full context
2. Analyse requirements - Break down issue into testable behaviours
3. Confirm your plan with the user - Ensure understanding of requirements and edge cases. NEVER start making changes without user confirmation
4. Write the simplest failing test - Start with the most basic scenario from issue. NEVER write multiple tests at once. You will iterate on RED, GREEN, REFACTOR cycle with one test at a time
5. Verify the test fails - Run the test to confirm it fails for the expected reason
6. Link test to issue - Reference issue number in test names and comments

Red Phase Checklist

• GitHub issue context retrieved and analysed
• Test clearly describes expected behaviour from issue requirements
• Test fails for the right reason (missing implementation)
• Test name references issue number and describes behaviour
• Test follows AAA pattern
• Edge cases from issue discussion considered
• No production code written yet