craft-test-factorylisted

# Skill: Craft Test Factory > "The power of a factory is not the complexity of the code, but rather one or two patterns properly applied." ## The Standard 1. **Static `new()` Constructor**: Entry point. Returns fresh instance. 2. **Immutability via Clone**: State methods return cloned instance, never mutate. 3. **Auto-Increment Uniques**: Static counter for unique fields like invoice numbers. 4. **Beyond Models**: Create DTOs, events, requests—anything tests need. ## The Anti-Patterns | ❌ Don't | ✅ Do | Why | |------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------| | Mutable state | Clone on every modifier | Prevents test pollution | | Random unique values | Static incrementing counter | Deterministic, debuggable | | Laravel factory only | Custom factories too | DTOs need factories too | | Inline test setup | Named factory states | Self-documenting tests | ## Real-World Examples See [examples.md](examples.md).