VibeFlow TDD Cycle

When to Use

• When implementing new features
• When fixing bugs with regression tests
• When refactoring with test coverage

The Red-Green-Refactor Cycle

Phase 1: Red (Write Failing Tests)

Goal: Define expected behavior through tests that don't pass yet.

1. Read the issue file and acceptance criteria
2. Create test files:

- Unit tests: tests/ or src/**/tests/ - Integration tests: tests/integration/ - E2E tests: e2e/ or tests/e2e/

1. Write tests that define expected behavior
2. Run tests and confirm they fail (RED)
3. Commit: test: Add failing tests for <feature>

Checklist:

• Tests cover all acceptance criteria
• Tests cover edge cases
• Tests are independent (no shared state)
• Test names are descriptive

Phase 2: Green (Make Tests Pass)

Goal: Write minimal code to pass all tests.

1. Write the simplest code that makes tests pass
2. Run tests after each small change
3. Do NOT over-engineer at this stage
4. Do NOT add features not covered by tests
5. Commit: feat: Implement <feature>

Checklist:

• All tests pass (GREEN)
• No new tests added in this phase
• Implementation is minimal

Phase 3: Refactor (Improve Code Quality)

Goal: Improve code structure while keeping tests green.

1. Identify code smells:

- Duplication - Long functions - Poor naming - Missing abstractions

1. Make one refactoring change at a time
2. Run tests after EVERY change
3. Keep tests GREEN throughout
4. Commit: refactor: Improve <feature> code structure

Checklist:

• All tests still pass
• Code is DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself)
• Functions are small and focused
• Names are clear and descriptive
• No dead code

Common Test Patterns

Unit Test Pattern

describe('<Component/Function>', () => {
  it('should <expected behavior> when <condition>', () => {
    // Arrange
    // Act
    // Assert
  });
});

Edge Cases to Consider

• Empty inputs
• Null/undefined values
• Boundary values
• Error conditions
• Concurrent operations

Examples

• "Implement user login with TDD"
• "Add validation with TDD cycle"
• "Refactor payment module keeping tests green"