implementing-stories

Implementing Stories (Red-Green)

Implement using TDD Red-Green cycle. Refactoring happens separately with fresh context.

Context

Find story log, understand codebase, identify what to implement.

Principles

• Small steps: one behavior at a time
• Test-driven: write test first
• Red-Green focus: get tests passing, skip cleanup

TDD Cycle

Red: Write Failing Test

• Write test defining behavior
• Scaffold symbols (avoid "not found")
• Confirm fails for right reason

Key: Fails because feature missing, not syntax error.

Green: Make It Pass

• Implement minimum to pass
• No extras or cleanup
• Confirm passes

Don't worry about quality/duplication. Refactoring is next phase.

Map Criteria

For each criterion:

1. Identify behavior
2. Write test (Given-When-Then)
3. Implement minimum
4. Next criterion (skip refactoring)

Update Story Log (REQUIRED)

CRITICAL: Must update before finishing.

### Implementation (Red-Green)

**Status: Complete - Ready for Refactor**

**Implemented:**
- [Criterion]: [Approach]

**Decisions:**
- [Decision]: [Why]

**Tests:**
- [Test file]: [What tests]
- Status: All passing (X)

**Technical debt:**
- [Item]: Duplication needing refactor
- [Item]: Naming improvements

**Next:** Refactor

Steps:

1. Find story log (docs/stories/**/*.story.md)
2. Update "Completed Work Summary"
3. Save and verify

When to Stop

• All criteria have passing tests
• All tests pass
• No syntax/type errors
• Story log updated

Only after story log updated, pass to Refactor.

Pitfalls

• Skipping tests
• Big steps
• Premature cleanup (resist refactoring)
• Ignoring error handling
• Over-implementation