Comprehensive guidance for writing comprehensive unit tests for shell scripts using Bats (Bash Automated Testing System), including test patterns, fixtures, and best practices for production-grade shell testing.
Use this skill when
Writing unit tests for shell scripts
Implementing TDD for scripts
Setting up automated testing in CI/CD pipelines
Testing edge cases and error conditions
Validating behavior across shell environments
Do not use this skill when
The project does not use shell scripts
You need integration tests beyond shell behavior
The goal is only linting or formatting
Instructions
Confirm shell dialects and supported environments.
Set up a test structure with helpers and fixtures.
Write tests for exit codes, output, and side effects.
Add setup/teardown and run tests in CI.
If detailed examples are required, open resources/implementation-playbook.md.
Resources
resources/implementation-playbook.md for detailed patterns and examples.
1---2name: bats-testing-patterns3description: Bats Testing Patterns4---5# Bats Testing Patterns67Comprehensive guidance for writing comprehensive unit tests for shell scripts using Bats (Bash Automated Testing System), including test patterns, fixtures, and best practices for production-grade shell testing.89## Use this skill when1011- Writing unit tests for shell scripts12- Implementing TDD for scripts13- Setting up automated testing in CI/CD pipelines14- Testing edge cases and error conditions15- Validating behavior across shell environments1617## Do not use this skill when1819- The project does not use shell scripts20- You need integration tests beyond shell behavior21- The goal is only linting or formatting2223## Instructions2425- Confirm shell dialects and supported environments.26- Set up a test structure with helpers and fixtures.27- Write tests for exit codes, output, and side effects.28- Add setup/teardown and run tests in CI.29- If detailed examples are required, open `resources/implementation-playbook.md`.3031## Resources3233- `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed patterns and examples.
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Bats Testing Patterns It is listed under Coding & Dev Tools on SkillMD.
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ComeOnOliver (@comeonoliver) published this skill. Their other Agent Skills are listed on their SkillMD profile.