Java testing strategies

Apply proven testing strategies (RIGHT-BICEP, A-TRIP, CORRECT) to design and verify Java unit tests.

What is covered in this Skill?

• RIGHT-BICEP: Key questions to guide test creation — Right results, Boundary conditions, Inverse relationships, Cross-checks, Error conditions, Performance
• A-TRIP: Characteristics of good tests — Automatic, Thorough, Repeatable, Independent, Professional
• CORRECT: Boundary condition verification — Conformance, Ordering, Range, Reference, Existence, Cardinality, Time

Constraints

Before applying any test strategy changes, ensure the project compiles. If compilation fails, stop immediately — do not proceed until resolved. After applying improvements, run full verification.

• MANDATORY: Run ./mvnw compile or mvn compile before applying any change
• SAFETY: If compilation fails, stop immediately and do not proceed — compilation failure is a blocking condition
• VERIFY: Run ./mvnw clean verify or mvn clean verify after applying improvements
• BEFORE APPLYING: Read the reference for detailed examples, good/bad patterns, and constraints
• EDGE CASE: If the user goal is ambiguous, stop and ask a clarifying question before editing files or running project-wide commands
• EDGE CASE: If required context, files, credentials, or tools are missing, report the blocker explicitly and ask whether to proceed with setup or fallback guidance
• EDGE CASE: If requested changes conflict with project constraints or safety boundaries, explain the conflict and ask for user confirmation on the preferred trade-off

When to use this skill

• Review Java code for testing strategies
• Apply RIGHT-BICEP testing strategies in Java code
• Apply A-TRIP testing strategies in Java code
• Apply CORRECT boundary condition verification in Java code

Workflow

1. Compile project before test-strategy changes

Run ./mvnw compile or mvn compile and stop immediately if compilation fails.

2. Read testing-strategies reference

Read references/130-java-testing-strategies.md and map current tests to RIGHT-BICEP, A-TRIP, and CORRECT gaps.

3. Apply strategy-driven test improvements

Improve or add tests to cover missing boundaries, quality characteristics, and verification depth.

4. Verify with full build

Run ./mvnw clean verify or mvn clean verify after applying improvements.

Reference

For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/130-java-testing-strategies.md.