writing-plans

Writing Plans Skill

Convert a list of test scenarios into an ordered implementation plan. This skill is used by the Planner after the Brainstormer produces scenarios.

Steps

1. Review scenarios: Read the brainstorming output carefully.

   • Identify all test scenarios that need coverage
   • Note dependencies between scenarios (some tests require others to pass first)
   • Identify which scenarios share setup/teardown

2. Group into test suites: Organize scenarios by the code unit they test.

   • Group tests for the same function/method together
   • Identify shared fixtures that should be extracted
   • Note where table-driven tests are appropriate (multiple inputs → same function)

3. Order the tests: Sequence tests from simplest to most complex.

   • Start with happy path tests (positive cases)
   • Follow with edge cases
   • End with error scenarios
   • Ensure each test builds on knowledge from previous tests

4. Write the test plan: For each test, specify:

   • Test name (format: TestFunctionName_Scenario_ExpectedResult)
   • Setup required (fixtures, mocks, temp dirs)
   • The specific action to invoke
   • The assertion to make (exact values, not just "no error")
   • Teardown needed (if any)

5. Identify implementation dependencies: List what code must be written.

   • New functions or methods needed
   • Interface changes required
   • New types or structs
   • Dependency injection points for testability

6. Estimate complexity: Flag high-effort items.

   • Simple (< 30 min): straightforward logic, no external dependencies
   • Medium (30 min – 2 hrs): requires new abstraction or refactoring
   • Complex (> 2 hrs): involves multiple components or tricky concurrency

Output Format

## Test Plan

### Suite: <FunctionName>
- [ ] Test: TestFunctionName_HappyPath_ReturnsResult
  Setup: <what to prepare>
  Action: call FunctionName with <inputs>
  Assert: result equals <expected>

- [ ] Test: TestFunctionName_EmptyInput_ReturnsError
  ...

## Implementation Dependencies
1. <what needs to be implemented>
2. ...

## Complexity Estimates
- TestFunctionName_HappyPath: Simple
- ...