# Create Test Builder

> Generates Test Data Builder and Object Mother patterns for PHP 8.4. Creates fluent builders with sensible defaults and factory methods for test data creation.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/create-test-builder` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/create-test-builder`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/create-test-builder/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/create-test-builder

---


# Test Data Builder Generator

Generates Test Data Builder and Object Mother patterns for test data creation.

## Patterns

### Test Data Builder

Fluent interface for constructing test objects with customizable properties.

**When to use:**
- Complex objects with many properties
- Need to customize specific properties per test
- Want to express test intent clearly

### Object Mother

Factory methods returning pre-configured objects for common scenarios.

**When to use:**
- Standard test fixtures (default user, pending order)
- Shared across many tests
- Named scenarios (premium customer, expired subscription)

## References

- `references/templates.md` — Builder and Object Mother class templates
- `references/examples.md` — Complete Order example with Value Object builders and usage

## Generation Instructions

1. **Analyze the target class:**
   - Constructor parameters
   - Required vs optional properties
   - Value objects used
   - State transitions (for entities)

2. **Determine sensible defaults:**
   - Generate IDs automatically
   - Use common/valid values
   - Consider relationships

3. **Create Builder with:**
   - Private constructor with defaults
   - Static factory method (`aOrder`, `anEmail`)
   - `with*` methods for each property
   - Immutable (clone in each method)
   - `build()` method

4. **Create Mother with:**
   - `default()` method
   - Named scenarios (`pending`, `confirmed`, `premium`)
   - Parameterized methods (`forCustomer`, `withTotal`)

5. **File placement:**
   - Builders: `tests/Builder/{ClassName}Builder.php`
   - Mothers: `tests/Mother/{ClassName}Mother.php`

## Best Practices

1. **Sensible defaults** — Tests should work without customization
2. **Fluent interface** — Chain method calls
3. **Immutable builders** — Clone in each `with*` method
4. **Expressive names** — `pending()` not `withStatus(pending)`
5. **Composition** — Builders can use other Mothers/Builders
6. **Single Responsibility** — One builder per aggregate/entity

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/dykyi-roman) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->