Characterization Test Writing

Write tests that pin down the actual current behavior of untested legacy code as a safety net for change. Use whenever a developer needs to create a regression safety net before modifying code — 'I don't know what tests to write', 'what should I test in legacy code', 'how do I write tests for code I didn't write', 'tests to preserve behavior', 'golden tests', 'snapshot tests for old code', 'characterization test', 'cover before modify'. Activates for 'legacy code testing', 'untested code', 'write tests before changing', 'regression safety net', 'behavior-preservation tests', 'pin down behavior'.

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Install

Claude CodeClawhHubnpxCursorCodexGemini CLI

1. Add marketplace

› /plugin marketplace add bookforge-ai/bookforge-skills

2. Install plugin

› /plugin install working-effectively-with-legacy-code@bookforge-skills

3. Use the skill

› /characterization-test-writing

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Source Book

Working Effectively with Legacy Code

Michael C. Feathers

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