What it does
Acts as a built-in, interactive ISTQB reference: explains a concept accurately using Glossary terminology, applies it to this project's config (stack, OpenAPI endpoints, risk_areas, tooling), and routes you to the sibling /qa:* command that operationalizes it. Advisory only — it teaches and routes; the other commands do the work. Optionally writes a concept note when asked.
When to use it
When you want to learn a technique, check a definition, or figure out how to test something the ISTQB way.
Prerequisites
qa.config.yml for project-specific worked examples (degrades to a representative example if none). Optional WebSearch to confirm against official sources.
Output
An explanation plus command routing inline; optional concept note -> <paths.docs_dir>/ISTQB-COACH-<concept>.md only when explicitly asked to save it.
Mechanics
How it works
- Resolve the input: if arguments are empty, print a topic menu and wait rather than guess
- Explain the concept/technique/term accurately using ISTQB Glossary terminology, citing a section only when traceable in the toolkit docs
- Apply it to this project's config with a concrete worked example (real endpoint, parameter, or risk area)
- Route to the sibling /qa:* command that operationalizes the concept (concept-to-command matrix, ISTQB-COMPLIANCE §13)
- Confirm against official sources via WebSearch when the topic is newer, ambiguous, or not traceable
- Optionally write a concept note only if the request asks to save it
Why it works
The theory behind it
The ISTQB Glossary plus the syllabus body of knowledge (CTFL v4.0 + Advanced/Specialist) made interactive — the in-toolkit teacher that makes the other commands learnable; reference guidance only, with the actual testing evidenced in the routed command (Principle 1).
ISTQB Glossary + syllabus body of knowledge (CTFL v4.0/v4.0.1 + Advanced/Specialist)
Example
See it in use
> /qa:istqb-coach "boundary value analysis"✓ Correct when It explains BVA (2-value/3-value) with an example and points you to /qa:test-design to apply it.