Skill v1.0.2
currentAutomated scan100/100+2 new, ~1 modified
version: "1.0.2" name: eval-harness description: Formal evaluation framework for Claude Code sessions implementing eval-driven development (EDD) principles. when_to_use: Use when the user wants formal evals, pass/fail regression checks, or eval-driven development for AI behavior.
Eval Harness Skill
A formal evaluation framework for Claude Code sessions, implementing eval-driven development (EDD) principles.
Philosophy
Eval-Driven Development treats evals as the "unit tests of AI development":
- Define expected behavior BEFORE implementation
- Run evals continuously during development
- Track regressions with each change
Eval Types
Capability Evals
Test if Claude can do something it couldn't before:
[CAPABILITY EVAL: feature-name]Task: Description of what Claude should accomplishSuccess Criteria:-[ ] Criterion 1-[ ] Criterion 2-[ ] Criterion 3Expected Output: Description of expected result
Regression Evals
Ensure changes don't break existing functionality:
[REGRESSION EVAL: feature-name]Baseline: git SHA (or a /checkpoint milestone name)Tests:-existing-test-1: PASS/FAIL-existing-test-2: PASS/FAIL-existing-test-3: PASS/FAILResult: X/Y passed (previously Y/Y)
Grader Types
1. Code-Based Grader
Deterministic checks using code:
# Check if file contains expected patterngrep -q "export function handleAuth" src/auth.ts && echo "PASS" || echo "FAIL"# Check if tests passnpm test -- --testPathPattern="auth" && echo "PASS" || echo "FAIL"# Check if build succeedsnpm run build && echo "PASS" || echo "FAIL"
2. Model-Based Grader
Have a separate instance (subagent) review open-ended outputs against a checklist:
[MODEL GRADER PROMPT]Review the following code change and answer each question with YES/NO plus evidence:1.Does it solve the stated problem?2.Is it well-structured?3.Are edge cases handled?4.Is error handling appropriate?Verdict: PASS/FAILReasoning: [explanation]
3. Human Grader
Flag for manual review:
[HUMAN REVIEW REQUIRED]Change: Description of what changedReason: Why human review is neededRisk Level: LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH
Note: statistical metrics like pass@k require running the same task k times independently. If you truly need them, implement an automated script (e.g., a headless claude -p loop), not manual bookkeeping in an interactive session.
Eval Workflow
1. Define (Before Coding)
## EVAL DEFINITION: feature-xyz### Capability Evals1.Can create new user account2.Can validate email format3.Can hash password securely### Regression Evals1.Existing login still works2.Session management unchanged3.Logout flow intact
2. Implement
Write code to pass the defined evals.
3. Evaluate
# Run capability evals[Run each capability eval, record PASS/FAIL]# Run regression evalsnpm test -- --testPathPattern="existing"# Generate report
4. Report
EVAL REPORT: feature-xyz========================Capability Evals:create-user: PASS (attempts: 1)validate-email: PASS (attempts: 2)hash-password: PASS (attempts: 1)Overall: 3/3 passedRegression Evals:login-flow: PASSsession-mgmt: PASSlogout-flow: PASSOverall: 3/3 passedStatus: READY FOR REVIEW
Integration Patterns
Pre-Implementation
/eval define feature-name
Creates eval definition file at .claude/evals/feature-name.md
During Implementation
/eval check feature-name
Runs current evals and reports status
Post-Implementation
/eval report feature-name
Generates full eval report
Eval Storage
Store evals in project:
.claude/evals/feature-xyz.md # Eval definitionfeature-xyz.log # Eval run historybaseline.json # Regression baselines
Best Practices
- Define evals BEFORE coding - Forces clear thinking about success criteria
- Run evals frequently - Catch regressions early
- Use code graders when possible - Deterministic > probabilistic
- Human review for security - Never fully automate security checks
- Keep evals fast - Slow evals don't get run
- Version evals with code - Evals are first-class artifacts
Example: Adding Authentication
## EVAL: add-authentication### Phase 1: Define (10 min)Capability Evals:-[ ] User can register with email/password-[ ] User can login with valid credentials-[ ] Invalid credentials rejected with proper error-[ ] Sessions persist across page reloads-[ ] Logout clears sessionRegression Evals:-[ ] Public routes still accessible-[ ] API responses unchanged-[ ] Database schema compatible### Phase 2: Implement (varies)[Write code]### Phase 3: EvaluateRun: /eval check add-authentication### Phase 4: ReportEVAL REPORT: add-authentication==============================Capability: 5/5 passedRegression: 3/3 passedStatus: SHIP IT