Test impact analysis for coding agent changes

Test impact analysis helps coding agents identify the tests most likely to detect regressions from a code change, balancing rapid feedback with the need to avoid false confidence from overly narrow test selection. It should begin by identifying the base revision, changed code, generated files, configuration, and non-code inputs, then mapping them to components, dependents, and relevant tests using build graphs, package metadata, imports, ownership rules, and historical test results. Because these sources can miss runtime configuration, external systems, and dynamic behavior, selection must also account for risk factors such as authentication, public APIs, database schemas, concurrency, serialization, build tooling, and shared fixtures. Teams should define explicit acceptance criteria, escalation rules for broader package or integration testing, and a full CI suite that remains in place, while requiring agents to justify both selected and skipped test groups. Deterministic policies stored in scripts or CI configuration improve reproducibility, and focused tests should be followed by required broader validation, including behavioral checks for user-facing flows. Pull requests should document the revision, affected components, test-selection method, executed checks, results, and deferred CI work, with broader testing preferred whenever incomplete dependency information prevents a defensible impact assessment.

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