tools-only Verification Protocol
Workflow Reference: See Master Workflow for how this skill fits into the verification stage of the agentic workflow.
STOP. You are NOT done yet. Generate this checklist and provide EVIDENCE for every item.
1. Task Type & Strategy
- Type: FIX / FEATURE / REFACTOR / DOCS / INVESTIGATION
- Strategy: Executable verification vs. Static verification?
2. The "WORKS" Check
Choose A or B based on task type:
A. For Code (Executable)
- Execution: Terminal output showing successful run? (Exit code 0 is NOT enough)
- Regression: Evidence that existing tests still pass?
- Edge Cases: Evidence of testing failure scenarios?
EVIDENCE:
- Execution output: [paste actual output]
- Test results: [paste test output]
- Edge case tested: [describe scenario and result]
B. For Static Assets (Docs, Configs, Analysis)
- Accuracy: Verified against source code/schema?
- Clarity: Does it follow the established format?
- Validity: Do links/references resolve?
EVIDENCE:
- Accuracy check: [how verified]
- Format compliance: [standard followed]
- Links validated: [method used]
3. The "FIXED" Check
For bug fixes specifically:
- Reproduction: Did I observe the pre-fix state?
- Resolution: Does the original problem NO LONGER occur?
EVIDENCE:
- Pre-fix behavior: [what was observed]
- Post-fix behavior: [what is now observed]
- Regression test added: [yes/no, location]
4. Quality Gates
- Pre-commit hooks passed?
- Linting passed? (Necessary, but not sufficient)
- Type checking passed? (if applicable)
EVIDENCE:
- Pre-commit: [output or "not configured"]
- Linting: [tool and result]
- Type check: [tool and result]
5. Honesty Check
- Did I verify the full scope?
- Am I distinguishing between "should work" and "verified to work"?
- Can I answer YES to: "I have VALIDATED this output in its intended context"?
The Golden Rule
If you cannot demonstrate it working in practice with evidence, it is NOT done.
| Claim | Required Evidence |
|---|---|
| "Code works" | Terminal output showing execution |
| "Tests pass" | Actual test output, not assumption |
| "Bug fixed" | Before/after comparison |
| "Docs accurate" | Cross-reference with source |
| "Config valid" | Validation command output |
Quick Reference
VERIFICATION SUMMARY:
Task Type: [FIX/FEATURE/REFACTOR/DOCS/INVESTIGATION]
Works Check: [PASS/FAIL] - Evidence: ___
Fixed Check: [PASS/FAIL/N/A] - Evidence: ___
Quality Gates: [PASS/FAIL] - Evidence: ___
Honesty Check: [PASS/FAIL]
VERDICT: [COMPLETE / NOT COMPLETE - reason]