Pharo TDD loop (live image, via the genie MCP tools)
All work goes through the genie MCP tools — there are no files. Prefer the
most specific MCP tool available: read with the read tools, change methods with
define_method, change classes with define_class, and use dedicated
refactoring/removal tools when they exist. Use eval only as a last resort
when no specific MCP tool can express the operation, and keep it minimal.
Confirm every change by reading it back. Never assume a class/selector exists —
look it up first.
Loop
Locate. Find the class and its test class:
list_classes (package) → list_methods → get_method_source.
Find the matching ...Test (TestCase subclass). If none exists, create it
via define_class (superclass TestCase).
Red. Write or adjust ONE failing test with define_method (protocol
tests). Run it: run_test with class_name. Expect failure. If it
passes immediately, the test isn't exercising the new behavior — fix the
test before writing code.
Green. Implement the smallest method that could pass, via
define_method. Run run_test again → expect green. Read the method back
with get_method_source to confirm what's installed.
Regression check. Run run_test for the whole package_name. A green
class test with a red package is not done.
Refactor. Clean up while green, re-running run_test after each step.
(For larger cleanups, switch to the pharo-refactor skill.)
Done. Persist with save_image gated on tests — pass test_package so
it runs them and saves the image only if green. Summarize what changed
(class >> selector list).
Debugging a red test
Genie returns full stack traces: failing block source, receiver, and its
variables. Read them. Reproduce with run_test, read/search tools, and the
smallest existing MCP call that exercises the behavior. Use eval only if the
needed probe cannot be expressed through a dedicated MCP tool; if you must use
it, make it minimal and non-mutating unless the task explicitly requires a
mutation. Fix the smallest thing the trace implicates, then re-run the test.
Don't guess.
Rules
- One test, one reason to fail, at a time.
- Modern class API only (
ShiftClassInstaller / define_class), never the
deprecated subclass:instanceVariableNames:classVariableNames:package:.
- Tests are methods too — install them with
define_method, protocol tests.
eval is always a last resort, never the default path.
---
name: pharo-tdd
description: Drive a Genie change test-first through the genie MCP tools, working entirely from the live image (no files). Use when adding behavior or fixing a bug in the image — anything where a test should lead.
---
# Pharo TDD loop (live image, via the genie MCP tools)
All work goes through the `genie` MCP tools — there are no files. Prefer the
most specific MCP tool available: read with the read tools, change methods with
`define_method`, change classes with `define_class`, and use dedicated
refactoring/removal tools when they exist. Use `eval` only as a last resort
when no specific MCP tool can express the operation, and keep it minimal.
Confirm every change by reading it back. Never assume a class/selector exists —
look it up first.
## Loop
1. **Locate.** Find the class and its test class:
`list_classes` (package) → `list_methods` → `get_method_source`.
Find the matching `...Test` (TestCase subclass). If none exists, create it
via `define_class` (superclass `TestCase`).
2. **Red.** Write or adjust ONE failing test with `define_method` (protocol
`tests`). Run it: `run_test` with `class_name`. **Expect failure.** If it
passes immediately, the test isn't exercising the new behavior — fix the
test before writing code.
3. **Green.** Implement the smallest method that could pass, via
`define_method`. Run `run_test` again → expect green. Read the method back
with `get_method_source` to confirm what's installed.
4. **Regression check.** Run `run_test` for the whole `package_name`. A green
class test with a red package is not done.
5. **Refactor.** Clean up while green, re-running `run_test` after each step.
(For larger cleanups, switch to the `pharo-refactor` skill.)
6. **Done.** Persist with `save_image` gated on tests — pass `test_package` so
it runs them and saves the image only if green. Summarize what changed
(class >> selector list).
## Debugging a red test
Genie returns full stack traces: failing block source, receiver, and its
variables. Read them. Reproduce with `run_test`, read/search tools, and the
smallest existing MCP call that exercises the behavior. Use `eval` only if the
needed probe cannot be expressed through a dedicated MCP tool; if you must use
it, make it minimal and non-mutating unless the task explicitly requires a
mutation. Fix the smallest thing the trace implicates, then re-run the test.
Don't guess.
## Rules
- One test, one reason to fail, at a time.
- Modern class API only (`ShiftClassInstaller` / `define_class`), never the
deprecated `subclass:instanceVariableNames:classVariableNames:package:`.
- Tests are methods too — install them with `define_method`, protocol `tests`.
- `eval` is always a last resort, never the default path.
