---
name: bats-testing-patterns
description: "Master Bash Automated Testing System (Bats) for comprehensive shell script testing. Use when writing tests for shell scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or requiring test-driven development of shell utilities."
risk: unknown
source: community
---
# Bats Testing Patterns
Comprehensive guidance for writing comprehensive unit tests for shell scripts using Bats (Bash Automated Testing System), including test patterns, fixtures, and best practices for production-grade shell testing.
## Use this skill when
- Writing unit tests for shell scripts
- Implementing TDD for scripts
- Setting up automated testing in CI/CD pipelines
- Testing edge cases and error conditions
- Validating behavior across shell environments
## Do not use this skill when
- The project does not use shell scripts
- You need integration tests beyond shell behavior
- The goal is only linting or formatting
## Instructions
- Confirm shell dialects and supported environments.
- Set up a test structure with helpers and fixtures.
- Write tests for exit codes, output, and side effects.
- Add setup/teardown and run tests in CI.
- If detailed examples are required, open `resources/implementation-playbook.md`.
## Resources
- `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed patterns and examples.