Make the test database the first check for agents

.github/workflows/README.md

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ Each workflow file also starts with a comment block that shows a full example ca
 
 **Read this first** (people and AI coding agents). To add these workflows to a
 repository, follow [Adopt in an existing repository](#adopt-in-an-existing-repository).
-These five rules prevent the common mistakes:
+These six rules prevent the common mistakes:
 
 1. **Start from a template** in [`workflow-templates/`](../../workflow-templates).
    It sets the triggers, `concurrency` and `permissions`. Do not write the
@@ -28,8 +28,15 @@ These five rules prevent the common mistakes:
    repository that justify the value: the database in `phpunit.xml`, a script
    in `composer.json` or `package.json`, a step in the old workflow. With no
    evidence, leave the input commented out, so the default applies. Do not copy
-   a recipe from this guide without that evidence.
-5. **Verify.** Run the repository's own checks, open a pull request, and read
+   a recipe from this guide without that evidence. A value from the old
+   workflow is evidence only if the shared workflow gives the same
+   environment: for example, `pdo_mysql` from an old workflow with a MySQL
+   service is not.
+5. **Check the test database first.** The shared workflows start no MySQL or
+   PostgreSQL service. If the tests use one (read `phpunit.xml`, then
+   `.env.testing` or `.env.example`), this is a blocker: see
+   [Environment and database](#environment-and-database) before you continue.
+6. **Verify.** Run the repository's own checks, open a pull request, and read
    the job logs. The required check becomes `ci / CI`.
 
 AI coding agents: [`AGENTS.md`](../../AGENTS.md) at the repository root has

.github/workflows/laravel-ci.yml

@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@
 # (never an exact release such as @v0.1.4). Procedure for people and AI agents:
 # https://github.com/scify/.github/blob/main/.github/workflows/README.md#adopt-in-an-existing-repository
 #
+# No database service: the tests must run on SQLite (the Laravel default in
+# phpunit.xml). If they need MySQL or PostgreSQL, read "Environment and database"
+# in the guide before you adopt this workflow.
+#
 # Minimal call (every value below is a default and can be left out):
 #
 #   jobs:

AGENTS.md

@@ -47,7 +47,10 @@ Rules that cause failures when you break them:
    Dependabot auto-merge and other workflows. **Every input you set needs
    evidence**: a file and a line in the repository, for example a test suite in
    `phpunit.xml` or a script in `composer.json`. With no evidence, keep the
-   default. Do not copy a recipe from the guide without that evidence.
+   default. Do not copy a recipe from the guide without that evidence. A value
+   from the old workflow is evidence only if the shared workflow gives the same
+   environment (for example, `pdo_mysql` from an old workflow with a MySQL
+   service is not).
    **The workflow has no database service**: if the tests need MySQL or
    PostgreSQL, stop and ask the user (see the guide's "Environment and
    database").

workflow-templates/laravel-ci.yml

@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 # Each commented-out input shows its default. Uncomment a line only to change it.
 # The "e.g." comment shows other accepted values.
 # In branch protection, require the check "ci / CI".
+# No database service: the tests must run on SQLite. If they need MySQL or
+# PostgreSQL, read "Environment and database" in the guide first.
 name: CI
 
 on: