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validate-hypothesis

Tests design assumptions through code experiments, codebase analysis, and external research.

Synopsis

/validate-hypothesis <feature-id>

/rp1-dev-validate-hypothesis <feature-id>

Description

The validate-hypothesis command tests assumptions made in your technical design before implementation begins. It runs experiments, analyzes the codebase, and researches external sources to validate (or invalidate) design decisions.

This is an optional step in the feature workflow, recommended when:

  • The design includes unfamiliar technologies
  • Performance assumptions need validation
  • Integration approaches are uncertain
  • Risk mitigation is important

Parameters

Parameter Position Required Default Description
FEATURE_ID $1 Yes - Feature identifier

Prerequisites

  • hypotheses.md must exist in .rp1/work/features/<feature-id>/
  • Created by the feature-architect agent during the design phase when high-risk assumptions are identified

Output

Location: .rp1/work/features/<feature-id>/hypotheses.md (updated in-place)

Contents:

The hypothesis-tester updates the existing hypotheses.md document in-place rather than creating a separate results file. After validation, each hypothesis entry is updated with:

  • Validation findings and evidence
  • Status change (PENDING to CONFIRMED or REJECTED)
  • Source references and design implications
  • Summary table of all results

Examples

Validate Design Assumptions

/validate-hypothesis caching-layer

/rp1-dev-validate-hypothesis caching-layer

Example output: 

✅ Hypothesis Validation Complete

Hypotheses Tested: 3

1. "Redis can handle 10k requests/second"
   Status: VALIDATED
   Evidence: Benchmark showed 15k req/s

2. "Existing middleware supports caching headers"
   Status: VALIDATED
   Evidence: Found in src/middleware/cache.ts

3. "Cache invalidation can use pub/sub"
   Status: NEEDS_MODIFICATION
   Evidence: Current setup uses polling
   Recommendation: Update design to use polling pattern

Overall: PROCEED with modifications

Validation Methods

Method Use Case
Code experiments Performance, API behavior
Codebase analysis Pattern compatibility, dependencies
External research Library capabilities, best practices
  • /build - Orchestrates the full feature workflow including design and implementation

See Also