Manual Regression (API via docker-compose + curl)

When to use

Use when:

• Orchestrator flags use-case change affecting an HTTP API, OR
• Drift fix (“code wins”) changes behavior/use-cases, OR
• Automated integration tests are not yet feasible but validation is required.

Manual regression is required for API use-case changes.

Inputs

• Use-case docs: /docs/use-cases/UC-###-*.md
• Running docker-compose stack (required)
• API base URL/port
• Auth credentials/tokens (if needed)

Outputs

• Manual verification that UC acceptance criteria hold at the HTTP boundary
• MCP proof label recorded: curl
• Any automated integration tests added recorded under tests_added[] (if created)

Rules

• Must run against docker-compose stack (docker-first prerequisite).
• Do not paste response bodies/logs in chat.
• If secrets/credentials are missing: add MCP blockers/questions and keep completion gated.

Step 1 — Start the stack

Preferred:

• make up Confirm:
• API reachable (health endpoint if available)
• dependencies healthy

If not reachable:

• fix compose/runtime first (blocking)

Step 2 — Create a UC checklist (compact)

For each affected UC:

• list 3–8 checks max:
  • happy path request/response
  • auth failure or validation failure (if relevant)
  • key state change (if UC implies persistence)

Step 3 — Execute curl-style checks

Perform minimal calls that prove acceptance criteria:

• Use the correct headers/auth
• Validate status codes
• Validate presence of key fields (not full payload diffs)

If you discover undocumented behavior:

• trigger spec-consistency work (drift is blocking)

Step 4 — Handle missing info (needs input)

If you cannot complete checks due to missing:

• base URL/ports
• credentials
• seed data requirements Call MCP “needs input” and continue with other tasks.

Step 5 — Completion proof (MCP)

When marking task done:

• manual_regression[] must include: curl
• tests_added[] includes any new integration test files created
• changed_files[] includes any config/doc changes

Suggested required_gates[]

• For API use-case change: manual-regression (and typically integration) plus baseline lint/build/ci