CODING AGENT HARNESSES

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING • Why write a failing test before the fix? ◦ Answer: It proves the bug exists and gives an objective way to confirm the fix works, instead of trusting the agent's claim. • What trap should you guard against when an agent is told to make tests pass? ◦ Answer: The agent may delete or weaken tests, or special-case them, so protect test files and review test changes carefully. • What does a verification gate do? ◦ Answer: It automatically rejects work that fails required checks and sends it back, whatever the agent says about being finished. • Why is the agent's own statement of done not enough? ◦ Answer: It is only a claim, while tests and other checks provide evidence. • What do teams report about task size? ◦ Answer: Clear, narrow tasks with explicit verification produce much more reliable code than vague, large, open-ended tasks.