# Test Fix

> Diagnose and minimally fix a failing test, then re-run.

- Skill: `patriceckhart/test-fix` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add patriceckhart/test-fix`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/patriceckhart/test-fix/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: patriceckhart (https://skillmd.com/u/patriceckhart)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/patriceckhart/test-fix

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# Test fix

When the user reports a failing test (or a test suite failure), work
in this order. Resist the temptation to rewrite large chunks of code.

## 1. Reproduce

Run the failing test in isolation first. For Go: `go test -run
TestThing ./pkg/...`. For Node: `npm test -- --run TestThing`. The
goal is a fast feedback loop, not the whole suite.

## 2. Read the failure carefully

- What was expected vs got?
- Which line of test code triggered the failure?
- Is it a logic error in the implementation, an outdated test
  expectation, or environmental drift (e.g. timezone, locale, file
  system case-sensitivity)?

## 3. Choose the smallest possible fix

- If the test is wrong → update the assertion only. Don't restructure.
- If the implementation is wrong → patch the smallest function that
  fixes the failing case. Avoid drive-by refactors.
- If the test depends on behaviour you need to change deliberately →
  ask the user before changing the assertion.

## 4. Re-run

The same isolated test, then the immediate suite, then the full
test command if applicable. Stop the moment you see green; don't
keep poking.

## 5. Report

Write 2–3 sentences: what was wrong, what changed, and which command
verifies the fix. Include the diff inline.