Testing Shared (all languages) active any

Boundary and compatibility changes have executable contract coverage

test-001

Intent

Changes to request or response boundaries, serialized contracts, and protocol messages need executable evidence that the real wire or payload shape still matches the intended contract.

Applicability

Applies when the diff changes a public API operation, serialized payload, database serialization boundary, queue message, or protocol message, and the repository contains executable tests for that boundary. Return unknown when the test harness for that boundary is outside visible scope.

What to inspect

Look at changed routes, payload serializers, protocol adapters, integration or contract tests, and whether assertions cover status, content type, structure, fields, and negative-path behavior through the real boundary.

Pass criteria

The changed boundary has executable tests that cover the contract shape and at least one meaningful behavior or rejection case. Assertions are strong enough to detect contract drift, not just reachability.

Fail criteria

The diff changes a boundary contract but adds no corresponding contract coverage, or adds only smoke assertions that would miss the changed shape, fields, or rejection behavior.

Do not flag

Internal-only seams, metadata-only spec edits, or repositories that clearly keep contract tests in another location not visible here.

Confidence guidance

HIGH when the changed boundary is visible and nearby tests clearly omit contract assertions. MEDIUM when helper layers hide part of the real assertion strength. LOW when the boundary test location is unclear.

Remediation

Add or update executable contract tests that exercise the real boundary and assert the relevant structure and behavior.

Pass example

it('rejects duplicate company names', async () => {
  const res = await request(app).post('/companies').send({ companyName: 'Acme' });
  expect(res.status).toBe(400);
  expect(res.body.detail).toContain('duplicate');
});

Fail example

it('companies endpoint exists', async () => {
  const res = await request(app).post('/companies').send({});
  expect(res.status).toBeGreaterThan(0);
});