How to Reduce and Prevent Flaky Tests

Failing multiple times with your automated software tests and no evident reasons? Well, then you are also facing the trouble of flaky tests. Flaky tests are a common challenge for test engineers and there are good and bad ways to tackle them. In this post I will look at how to prevent flaky tests.

What are Flaky Tests?

If you are trying to chalk out the ways for solving glitches related to software testing, it might take a toll on your minds. Even after making a second or third attempt, if your software is undergoing major failure, it’s imperative to determine a potential option for testing. Failed test results could pose a significant threat in the long run, and probably that’s why many pharmaceutical manufacturers in Europe keep a stringent check on it.

Owing to the non-deterministic results, developers and testers often face a tough time handling the errors and cheat codes resultant of the regression tests. Flaky tests might also result in unwanted delays and challenge your commitment to software delivery!

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Tips to Prevent Flaky Tests

Looking for ways to fix the flaky test issues? If yes, take a check at the list of options listed down below.

1. Restrict the sleep commands: Whenever you opt for any automated tests related to the application or web pages; you need to complete a few actions to verify software performance. It also includes sleep commands that result in the frequent occurrence of flaky tests. This command is a primary reason that leads to the failure of testing before its execution. Fixing it is pretty simple as you can opt for the ‘wait’ command rather than the ‘sleep’ one. With the wait command, you can pause a specific test until its flaky element is eliminated, and after a timeout, you can resume the session.

 

2. Do flaky tests in open: Experts often notice that flaky tests produce a continuous integration (CI) environment quite frequently compared to local machines. It occurs as the complete test suite is run on CI rather than local development machines. Running open tests can help developers identify the patterns of mistakes and avoid them in the future. This leads to minimized flakiness, and using a CI server increases the efficacy of testing. It is also imperative to run tests on actual devices as the stimulators or emulators cannot accurately evaluate the app’s performance.

 

3. Document the tests: Another excellent way to prevent flaky tests by the pharmaceutical manufacturer in Europe is their right documentation. It helps developers get all the data relevant to the nature and proximity of these tests. They come to know why these tests get apparent and can come up with suggestive outcomes to improve the same. Documenting tests help correct the deadlocks, atomicity breakdown, and data races.

 

4. Cross-check the testing order: Flaky tests might also occur when you have just run another test before them. Such testing leads to implicit assumptions about the environment that could run in the database without any verification.

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Wrapping Up

The flaky test is a significant roadblock for the testers and developers chasing the accuracy of their software and 100% glitch-free on-site performance. However, you can induce some steps to ensure quick fixes that minimise the occurrence of issues with these tests. Proper planning and appropriate execution of testing methods with backup support often lead to a successful testing process in the long run and will help you prevent flaky tests.

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About the Author

Nitin

Nitin Gupta is a voracious reader and an even passionate writer. Having worked with numerous GST software companies and MNCs across the world, he is very to the point with lots of insights about the industry and the people working in them. Nitin writes about technology and how it impacts the various industries such as pharma, hospitality, travel, and many others as well.
Find out more about @nitingupta2817

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