Container Testing Protocol Skill

Overview

Rigorous testing protocol for Docker/Podman container modifications. Container changes have cascading effects - one config change can break multiple apps. This skill enforces comprehensive validation before claiming any container work is "fixed."

Type

protocol

When to Invoke

Trigger keywords: container, docker, podman, dockerfile, compose, mount, volume, permission, GUI app, display, X11, wayland

Invoke when:

• •Modifying any container configuration
• •Troubleshooting container issues
• •Adding packages to containers
• •Changing mounts or volumes
• •Fixing display/GUI issues in containers
• •Working with Obsidian, Chrome, or Brave in containers

The Container Problem

Docker/Podman changes break critical apps → Regression whack-a-mole → Hours lost fixing same issues

Why: Containers are complex ecosystems. One config change cascades everywhere.

BEFORE Claiming Container "Fixed"

ALL must be YES:

• • Obsidian launched AND vault access confirmed?
• • Chrome/Brave opened AND can browse websites?
• • Bash/terminal works AND commands execute?
• • File permissions intact for user directories?
• • Network connectivity confirmed (ping, curl)?
• • Would bet $200 this container actually works for daily use?

Critical App Test Checklist

1. Obsidian Full Test

• • Launch Obsidian GUI from container
• • Open Personal vault: /path/to/documents/Personal/Obsidian-Notes/Personal-User
• • Open Work vault: /path/to/work/P-Drive/_____NOTES_____/Obsidian/WORK
• • Create test note, verify save works
• • Navigate between vaults without errors

2. Browser Full Test

• • Launch Chrome from container GUI
• • Launch Brave from container GUI
• • Navigate to real websites (not just localhost)
• • Verify downloads work to expected directories
• • Test file uploads from container filesystem

3. System Integration Test

• • Open terminal, run basic commands (ls, cd, grep)
• • Test file creation/editing in user home directory
• • Verify container can access host filesystem mounts
• • Test permissions for critical directories
• • Confirm environment variables are set correctly

Container-Specific Red Flags

STOP if you catch yourself thinking:

• •"Updated one config" → Likely broke 3 other things
• •"Simple mount change" → Permissions nightmare incoming
• •"Just added a package" → GUI apps might not start
• •"Fixed display" → Network probably broken now

Regression Prevention Rules

1. •Document current working state before ANY change
2. •Test ALL critical apps after EVERY change
3. •Never assume one fix didn't break something else
4. •Rollback immediately if any critical app fails
5. •No partial fixes - everything must work or nothing ships

Container Test Ritual

Bottom Line

Container = daily work environment. Broken container = broken productivity.

TEST EVERYTHING. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. ROLLBACK FAST.

2nd container regression = "incompetent containerization"

Integration

This protocol integrates with:

• •"Actually Works" Protocol - General verification requirements
• •/fix command - For systematic debugging of container issues