← ClaudeAtlas

debugging-test-failureslisted

Systematically investigates failing tests, distinguishes between test bugs and implementation bugs, and drives a fix with verification. Use when the user wants to debug test failures or replace the legacy `/debug:test` workflow.
dork-labs/dorkos · ★ 4 · AI & Automation · score 74
Install: claude install-skill dork-labs/dorkos
# Debugging Test Failures ## Overview This is the shared-skill replacement for the legacy Claude Code `/debug:test` workflow. Use it when tests are failing and the goal is to identify the real root cause instead of making blind changes. ## Read First Before acting, read: - `.agents/skills/debugging-systematically/SKILL.md` - `.claude/skills/test-driven-development/SKILL.md` when the failing test is tied to new feature work or a bugfix ## Core Workflow 1. **Run the relevant test scope** - one file or one pattern when possible - whole-suite only when needed 2. **Parse the failure output** - failing test names - expected vs actual behavior - error messages and stack traces 3. **Read the failing test first** - understand arrange / act / assert - explain what the test is trying to prove 4. **Read the implementation under test** - trace inputs, transformations, and outputs 5. **Decide where the bug lives** - implementation - test logic - mock/setup - broader shared root cause 6. **Apply a minimal fix** - fix the real problem, not just the symptom 7. **Re-run verification** - the failing test - nearby tests when relevant ## Decision Heuristics - Prefer implementation fixes when the test encodes correct expected behavior. - Prefer test fixes when the implementation is correct and the test is asserting the wrong thing. - If multiple failures share one cause, fix the root cause before touching individual assertions. - If the test n