pest-testing
Tests applications using the Pest 4 PHP framework. Activates when writing tests, creating unit or feature tests, adding assertions, testing Livewire components, browser testing, debugging test failures, working with datasets or mocking; or when the user mentions test, spec, TDD, expects, assertion, coverage, or needs to verify functionality works.
Best use case
pest-testing is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Tests applications using the Pest 4 PHP framework. Activates when writing tests, creating unit or feature tests, adding assertions, testing Livewire components, browser testing, debugging test failures, working with datasets or mocking; or when the user mentions test, spec, TDD, expects, assertion, coverage, or needs to verify functionality works.
Teams using pest-testing should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/pest-testing/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How pest-testing Compares
| Feature / Agent | pest-testing | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Tests applications using the Pest 4 PHP framework. Activates when writing tests, creating unit or feature tests, adding assertions, testing Livewire components, browser testing, debugging test failures, working with datasets or mocking; or when the user mentions test, spec, TDD, expects, assertion, coverage, or needs to verify functionality works.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
Related Guides
SKILL.md Source
# Pest Testing 4
## When to Apply
Activate this skill when:
- Creating new tests (unit, feature, or browser)
- Modifying existing tests
- Debugging test failures
- Working with browser testing or smoke testing
- Writing architecture tests or visual regression tests
## Documentation
Use `search-docs` for detailed Pest 4 patterns and documentation.
## Basic Usage
### Creating Tests
All tests must be written using Pest. Use `php artisan make:test --pest {name}`.
### Test Organization
- Unit/Feature tests: `tests/Feature` and `tests/Unit` directories.
- Browser tests: `tests/Browser/` directory.
- Do NOT remove tests without approval - these are core application code.
### Basic Test Structure
<!-- Basic Pest Test Example -->
```php
it('is true', function () {
expect(true)->toBeTrue();
});
```
### Running Tests
- Run minimal tests with filter before finalizing: `php artisan test --compact --filter=testName`.
- Run all tests: `php artisan test --compact`.
- Run file: `php artisan test --compact tests/Feature/ExampleTest.php`.
## Assertions
Use specific assertions (`assertSuccessful()`, `assertNotFound()`) instead of `assertStatus()`:
<!-- Pest Response Assertion -->
```php
it('returns all', function () {
$this->postJson('/api/docs', [])->assertSuccessful();
});
```
| Use | Instead of |
|-----|------------|
| `assertSuccessful()` | `assertStatus(200)` |
| `assertNotFound()` | `assertStatus(404)` |
| `assertForbidden()` | `assertStatus(403)` |
## Mocking
Import mock function before use: `use function Pest\Laravel\mock;`
## Datasets
Use datasets for repetitive tests (validation rules, etc.):
<!-- Pest Dataset Example -->
```php
it('has emails', function (string $email) {
expect($email)->not->toBeEmpty();
})->with([
'james' => 'james@laravel.com',
'taylor' => 'taylor@laravel.com',
]);
```
## Pest 4 Features
| Feature | Purpose |
|---------|---------|
| Browser Testing | Full integration tests in real browsers |
| Smoke Testing | Validate multiple pages quickly |
| Visual Regression | Compare screenshots for visual changes |
| Test Sharding | Parallel CI runs |
| Architecture Testing | Enforce code conventions |
### Browser Test Example
Browser tests run in real browsers for full integration testing:
- Browser tests live in `tests/Browser/`.
- Use Laravel features like `Event::fake()`, `assertAuthenticated()`, and model factories.
- Use `RefreshDatabase` for clean state per test.
- Interact with page: click, type, scroll, select, submit, drag-and-drop, touch gestures.
- Test on multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) if requested.
- Test on different devices/viewports (iPhone 14 Pro, tablets) if requested.
- Switch color schemes (light/dark mode) when appropriate.
- Take screenshots or pause tests for debugging.
<!-- Pest Browser Test Example -->
```php
it('may reset the password', function () {
Notification::fake();
$this->actingAs(User::factory()->create());
$page = visit('/sign-in');
$page->assertSee('Sign In')
->assertNoJavaScriptErrors()
->click('Forgot Password?')
->fill('email', 'nuno@laravel.com')
->click('Send Reset Link')
->assertSee('We have emailed your password reset link!');
Notification::assertSent(ResetPassword::class);
});
```
### Smoke Testing
Quickly validate multiple pages have no JavaScript errors:
<!-- Pest Smoke Testing Example -->
```php
$pages = visit(['/', '/about', '/contact']);
$pages->assertNoJavaScriptErrors()->assertNoConsoleLogs();
```
### Visual Regression Testing
Capture and compare screenshots to detect visual changes.
### Test Sharding
Split tests across parallel processes for faster CI runs.
### Architecture Testing
Pest 4 includes architecture testing (from Pest 3):
<!-- Architecture Test Example -->
```php
arch('controllers')
->expect('App\Http\Controllers')
->toExtendNothing()
->toHaveSuffix('Controller');
```
## Common Pitfalls
- Not importing `use function Pest\Laravel\mock;` before using mock
- Using `assertStatus(200)` instead of `assertSuccessful()`
- Forgetting datasets for repetitive validation tests
- Deleting tests without approval
- Forgetting `assertNoJavaScriptErrors()` in browser testsRelated Skills
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