Pairwise Test Generator

pairwise-test-generator

Purpose

Reduce combinatorial explosion by selecting a compact set of tests that covers all parameter pairs.

Trigger this skill when

• You need disciplined test design rather than ad hoc case generation.
• You need to justify why a test set is sufficient.
• You want a reusable artifact that can feed automation later.

Expected inputs

• input parameters
• discrete value sets
• forbidden combinations if known

Deliverables

• pairwise matrix
• reduced test set
• excluded combos
• coverage explanation

Operating procedure

1. List discrete parameters and their candidate values.
2. Note forbidden combinations or dependencies before generating pairs.
3. Construct a compact test set that covers every value pair at least once.
4. Explain what pairwise covers and what it does not.

Quality gates

• Be explicit about infeasible, unreachable, or assumption-heavy cases.
• Prefer lean, justified test sets over exhaustive-looking noise.
• Keep expected outcomes observable and tied back to rules or logic.
• Show why each test exists, not just the test data.

Handoff targets

• decision-table-builder
• test-oracle-writer
• coverage-goal-planner

Output style

• Be explicit about uncertainty, infeasibility, and residual risk.
• Prefer compact, explainable artifacts over bloated lists.
• Tie tests back to rules, logic, or structure.
• Make expected outcomes observable.

Failure modes to avoid

• Do not use pairwise where sequence or higher-order interactions dominate.
• Do not include forbidden combinations as valid tests.
• Do not claim exhaustive interaction coverage.

Minimum output skeleton

## Summary
## Findings
## Structured outputs
## Coverage / rationale
## Assumptions
## Open questions
## Recommended next skill