# Agentic Coding Standards

This repository follows strict agentic coding practices to ensure high-quality, maintainable C# implementations.

## Zero Defects Policy

All code changes must maintain a **zero defects policy**:
- Every feature or bug fix must be validated by passing tests before merge
- Code reviews focus on correctness, clarity, and adherence to style guidelines
- No known issues or technical debt should be introduced
- When defects are discovered, they are fixed immediately before proceeding with new work

## Test-Driven Development (TDD)

We follow the **Red-Green-Refactor** cycle strictly. You must invoke `dotnet test` in each phase:

1. **Red**: Write a failing test that describes the desired behavior
2. **Green**: Write the minimum code necessary to make the test pass
3. **Refactor**: Improve the code while keeping tests passing

All development must start with a test. The repository includes one intentional failing test as a starting point for TDD workflow.

## Test Execution

Run the test suite using:

```bash
dotnet test
```

This command:
- Restores NuGet packages if needed
- Builds the solution (Vending library + test project)
- Executes all NUnit test cases
- Reports results with clear pass/fail status

The test suite must pass entirely before any code is merged.

## Code Quality Standards

### Testing Framework
- **Test Framework**: NUnit
- **Coverage**: All public API members must have test coverage
- **Organization**: Tests are located in `Vending.Tests/TestVendingMachine.cs`

### Code Style
- **Language**: C# (latest available)
- **Target Framework**: .NET 8.0
- **Style Tool**: `dotnet format` (configured via `.editorconfig` if present)
- **Enforcement**: All code should follow standard C# conventions (PascalCase for public members, camelCase for locals/parameters, etc.)

## Agent Responsibilities

When assisting with code changes, agents must:
1. Respect the zero defects policy — all code must be tested and passing
2. Follow the Red-Green-Refactor workflow — tests first, implementation second
3. Enforce code style using .NET formatting standards
4. Ensure all tests pass before considering work complete
5. Maintain clarity and maintainability in all refactoring activities

## Getting Started

1. Read the failing test in `Vending.Tests/TestVendingMachine.cs`
2. Implement the vending machine code in `Vending/` (e.g., `Vending/VendingMachine.cs`)
3. Run `dotnet test` frequently to verify progress
4. Refactor once tests pass to improve code quality
5. Repeat for each new requirement