Purpose

This skill defines how to write automated tests (unit, integration, and end‑to‑end) across all of Alpha's projects.

Testing Principles

Behavior‑focused: Test observable behavior and outcomes, not private implementation details.
Layered safety net:
- Unit tests validate small, isolated pieces of logic.
- Integration tests validate how components collaborate (for example, services + database).
- End‑to‑end tests validate critical flows through the system as a whole.
Deterministic and repeatable: Tests must be reliable, independent, and produce the same result every run.
Realistic, maintainable: Use factories/builders/helpers for test data and setup to keep tests expressive and easy to change.