Test-Driven Development for Laravel Overview
Write the test first. Watch it fail. Write minimal code to pass.
This skill adapts TDD principles specifically for Laravel applications using Pest PHP, Laravel's testing features, and framework-specific patterns.
When to Use
Always for Laravel:
New features (controllers, models, services) Bug fixes API endpoints Database migrations and models Form validation Authorization policies Queue jobs Artisan commands Middleware
Exceptions (ask your human partner):
Throwaway prototypes Configuration files View-only changes (no logic) The Laravel TDD Cycle RED → Verify RED → GREEN → Verify GREEN → REFACTOR → Repeat
RED - Write Failing Test
Write one minimal test showing what the Laravel feature should do.
Feature Test Example:
create(); $this->actingAs($user) ->post('/posts', [ 'title' => 'My First Post', 'content' => 'Post content here', ]) ->assertRedirect('/posts'); expect(Post::where('title', 'My First Post')->exists())->toBeTrue(); expect(Post::first()->user_id)->toBe($user->id); }); Verify RED - Watch It Fail php artisan test --filter=authenticated_user_can_create_post GREEN - Minimal Laravel Code Write simplest Laravel code to pass the test. Verify GREEN - Watch It Pass php artisan test REFACTOR - Clean Up Laravel Code After green only: Extract services for complex logic Create policies for authorization Add query scopes for reusability Use events for side effects Laravel-Specific Test Patterns Database Testing use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase; uses(RefreshDatabase::class); test('creates post in database', function () { $user = User::factory()->create(); $this->actingAs($user) ->post('/posts', ['title' => 'Test', 'content' => 'Content']); $this->assertDatabaseHas('posts', ['title' => 'Test']); }); Authorization Testing test('user cannot delete others posts', function () { $user = User::factory()->create(); $post = Post::factory()->create(); $this->actingAs($user) ->delete("/posts/{$post->id}") ->assertForbidden(); }); API Testing test('creates post via API', function () { $user = User::factory()->create(); $this->actingAs($user, 'sanctum') ->postJson('/api/posts', ['title' => 'API Post', 'content' => 'Content']) ->assertCreated(); }); Verification Checklist Migration test passes Model relationships tested Controller actions tested Validation rules tested Authorization tested Database state verified All tests passing Used RefreshDatabase Used factories Remember Every Laravel feature → Test exists and failed first Otherwise → Not TDD ?>