Claude Code First, specification version 0.1.0. The plain-language guide
Version 0.1.0. Level 2. Best evidence grade R3/S3.
VG-3 Could not run is not a pass
A gate MUST report a check that did not execute with the third verdict, could not run, and never count it as passed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword | MUST |
| Level | 2 |
| Checked | by judgement |
| Findings | F302, F304 |
| Harness facts | none |
| Threat | construct: a green is the absence of a reported failure |
| Status | active |
Rationale: in winwright, Shio and freewilly a gate went green over work that had not run: a dying test host, a stale build directory, a vacuous check, a capture of the wrong window (F302, R3/S3). Each project answered by making "did not run" distinct from a pass or by waiting for the positive signal before judging. The same separation answers a false red: Shio records a failed clean as inconclusive rather than red (F304). A check that can only say passed or failed turns "did not run" into "passed". winwright's shipped skill states the rule for its own product's checks: "A check that could not run is a third verdict and never a pass" [winwright@861b82e:skills/winwright/SKILL.md#L71].