Bats Testing Patterns

Bats Testing Patterns

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.

AGI Framework Integration

Adapted for @techwavedev/agi-agent-kit Original source: antigravity-awesome-skills

Memory-First Protocol

Retrieve prior test strategies, known flaky tests, and coverage gaps. Cache test infrastructure setup to avoid re-configuring test environments.

# Check for prior testing/QA context before starting
python3 execution/memory_manager.py auto --query "test patterns and coverage strategies for Bats Testing Patterns"

Storing Results

After completing work, store testing/QA decisions for future sessions:

python3 execution/memory_manager.py store \
  --content "Testing strategy: integration tests hit real DB (no mocks), 85% line coverage, mutation testing on critical paths" \
  --type technical --project <project> \
  --tags bats-testing-patterns testing

Multi-Agent Collaboration

Share test results and coverage reports with code review agents so they can verify adequate coverage on changed code.

python3 execution/cross_agent_context.py store \
  --agent "<your-agent>" \
  --action "QA complete — test suite expanded with 12 new integration tests, all passing" \
  --project <project>

TDD Enforcement

This skill integrates with the framework's iron-law RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle. No production code without a failing test first.

Agent Team: QA

Dispatch qa_team to generate tests and verify they pass before marking implementation complete.