freeCodeCamp/.github/instructions/testing.instructions.md

applyTo

applyTo
**/*.{ts,tsx,js,jsx}

Test Coverage Review Instructions

Review code changes for adequate test coverage using freeCodeCamp's testing conventions.

Testing Framework Reference

Location	Framework	File Pattern	Notes
api/	Vitest	*.test.ts	Co-located with source
client/	Vitest	*.test.{ts,tsx}	Co-located with source
e2e/	Playwright	*.spec.ts	Dedicated directory

When to Flag Missing Tests

Comment on missing tests if ALL of these are true:

• PR modifies functional code (bug fix or new feature)
• No corresponding test additions or modifications exist
• Changes are not test-only or config-only

Examples Requiring Tests

• New utility functions in api/src/utils/ or client/src/utils/
• New API route handlers in api/src/routes/
• New React components with logic in client/src/components/
• Bug fixes that change application behavior
• New validation logic or data transformations

When NOT to Flag

Do not comment on test coverage if:

• Changes are documentation, configuration, or non-functional
• PR already includes appropriate test coverage
• Changes are to test files themselves
• Changes are trivial:
  • Import reorganization
  • Formatting changes
  • Type-only changes (interfaces, type definitions)
  • Comment updates
• Changes are in areas without existing test patterns:
  • Curriculum markdown files
  • Configuration files
  • Build scripts

Detecting Outdated Tests

Flag if existing tests may be outdated:

• Test file exists for modified source but doesn't cover the changed functionality
• Test assertions reference behavior that is being changed
• Mock data doesn't reflect new data structures or API responses
• Test descriptions no longer match actual test behavior

Example Comment for Outdated Tests

Tests in `src/utils/validate.test.ts` need updates for new validation rules.

Comment Format

Missing Tests

Brief, actionable feedback only:

Missing tests for `src/utils/validate.ts`:
- Valid input case
- Invalid input error
- Empty string edge case

Sufficient Coverage

DO NOT COMMENT. Silence means approval.

Outdated Tests

Tests in `[test file]` need updates for `[source file]` changes:
- [specific change]

Test Quality Indicators

When tests are present, briefly verify:

• Tests cover the happy path
• Tests cover at least one error/edge case
• Test descriptions are meaningful (not just "test 1", "test 2")
• Mocks are appropriate (not mocking the thing being tested)

Do not block PRs for test style preferences if coverage is adequate.