Radha Chaudhari in
Flaky tests can feel like an annoying mystery novel you’re forced to read every day. One day, the tests are green; the next day, they’re red, and nothing significant has changed. If you’re in the world of software development, you’ve likely experienced this frustration. But even if you’re not, imagine trying to assemble IKEA furniture with instructions that change every time you look at them—that’s what flaky tests feel like to developers.
In this blog, we’ll break down what flaky tests are, why they’re a problem, and how they can wreak havoc on your software and team productivity. Most importantly, we’ll provide simple, relatable strategies (with examples!) to manage and prevent flaky tests, and explain how Tuskr can help streamline the process.
What Are Flaky Tests?
Let’s start simple: imagine you’re baking a cake, and you test its doneness by inserting a toothpick into it. Sometimes the toothpick comes out clean, and sometimes it doesn’t—even though you’ve followed the same recipe to the letter. That’s essentially what flaky tests are like.
In the software world, a flaky test is one that sometimes passes and sometimes fails—even when the code hasn’t changed.
Example of a Flaky Test
Imagine an e-commerce app. You’ve written a test to check if adding an item to the cart works correctly. On Monday, the test works fine. On Tuesday, it fails. By Wednesday, it’s working again—without any changes to the code. What’s going on?
Flaky tests behave unpredictably because of hidden factors, like:
- A slow internet connection affecting the test.
- The test depending on an external service that’s temporarily down.
- The server being overloaded when the test runs.
In short, flaky tests happen when something other than the code influences the results.
Why Flaky Tests Are a Problem
Flaky tests aren’t just annoying—they can derail your entire software development life cycle (SDLC). Here’s why:
1. Wasting Time
When a flaky test fails, developers must investigate whether it’s the test that’s broken or the code. This takes time away from building features or fixing actual bugs.
Example:
Imagine running a 100-meter sprint but being asked to go back to the start line every time someone misfires the starting gun. Flaky tests are like that false start—you waste time resetting instead of progressing.
2. Eroding Trust
Flaky tests make it hard for teams to trust their qa testing tools. If tests fail unpredictably, developers might ignore failures altogether, leading to bad code slipping into production.
Example:
It’s like a fire alarm that rings every day, even when there’s no fire. Eventually, you stop taking it seriously.
3. Hiding Real Problems
When developers dismiss flaky test failures, they might overlook actual bugs. This can compromise software quality and create poor user experiences.
Example:
Think of it like a car dashboard where the check-engine light turns on and off randomly. If you ignore it, you might miss a serious issue under the hood.
What Causes Flaky Tests?
Flaky tests don’t just happen out of nowhere—they’re often caused by deeper issues. Let’s break down some common culprits with relatable examples.
1. Environmental Issues
Tests might fail due to differences in environments (e.g., local machines vs. servers).
Example:
Imagine planting a seed in one city’s soil and another city’s soil. The same seed might grow differently because the conditions aren’t identical. Similarly, if your tests run on different environments, you might see varying results.
2. Timing Dependencies
Some tests depend on things happening at the right time. If there’s a delay (e.g., waiting for a server to respond), the test might fail.
Example:
Picture a relay race where one runner starts late because they didn’t hear the baton pass signal. That delay affects the entire team, just like timing issues can mess up a test.
3. Poorly Written Tests
If tests are vague or overly broad, they’re more likely to fail.
Example:
It’s like giving someone directions with phrases like “turn somewhere after the gas station.” Ambiguity leads to confusion. In testing, unclear test cases often fail for the wrong reasons.
4. Unreliable Dependencies
Tests often rely on external systems, like APIs, that might be temporarily unavailable.
Example:
Imagine checking your email, but your Wi-Fi is down. The problem isn’t with your email app—it’s with your connection. Similarly, flaky tests might fail because they depend on services that aren’t working.
The Downward Spiral of Flaky Tests
If flaky tests aren’t addressed, they can set off a chain reaction:
- Demoralized Teams: Developers waste hours debugging tests instead of building features.
- Worsening Code Quality: Teams stop paying attention to test failures, allowing bad code to slip through.
- Delayed Releases: Flaky tests create bottlenecks, disrupting the SDLC phases and delaying product launches.
This is why addressing flaky tests early is critical.
How to Avoid Flaky Tests
The good news? Flaky tests can be prevented with the right strategies. Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Write Better Test Cases
Focus on clarity and specificity in your test cases. For example, instead of writing a test that checks “user login works,” break it down into smaller parts:
- Check if the login form loads correctly.
- Verify that entering correct credentials logs the user in.
This approach aligns with best practices for test case management tools.
2. Use Reliable Test Management Software
Tools like Tuskr simplify test case tracking and help you identify patterns in flaky tests. For example, Tuskr’s analytics can show you which tests fail most often, so you can focus your efforts there.
Start your free trial with Tuskr today to eliminate flaky tests effortlessly!
3. Create Consistent Environments
Use containerization tools like Docker to ensure that tests run in identical environments, regardless of where they’re executed.
Example:
It’s like baking a cake using a pre-measured mix instead of measuring ingredients yourself every time—you’ll get the same result every time.
4. Isolate Flaky Tests
Tag flaky tests and run them separately from your main test suite. This prevents them from affecting other tests. Tuskr makes it easy to group and isolate flaky tests with custom tags.
Discover how Tuskr can streamline your testing workflows—try it for free!
5. Automate with Caution
Automation is helpful, but it’s not a silver bullet. Use qa testing software tools that allow you to review and update test scripts regularly to avoid automation flakiness.
Example:
Think of automation like self-driving cars—they’re great, but you still need human oversight to prevent crashes.
6. Monitor and Analyze Test Results
Regularly review test performance reports to spot patterns. Tuskr’s dashboards provide clear insights into which tests are failing, helping you address flakiness quickly.
Gain actionable insights into your testing performance with Tuskr—sign up for free today!
How Tuskr Helps Solve Flaky Tests
Tuskr is designed to make your life easier. As one of the best test management tools, it provides features like:
- Intuitive dashboards to track test performance.
- Integration with popular testing frameworks for seamless workflows.
- Advanced analytics to pinpoint flaky tests.
- Free options for smaller teams looking for free test management tools.
With Tuskr, managing flaky tests becomes straightforward, saving your team time and effort.
Conclusion
Flaky tests are more than just an annoyance—they’re a productivity killer. By understanding their causes and taking proactive steps, you can prevent flaky tests from derailing your projects. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, tools like Tuskr ensure that your testing processes stay efficient and reliable.
Don’t let flaky tests slow you down—try Tuskr for free today and see the difference!
Sources of Inspiration
- TestRail Blog: Flaky Tests and Their Impact
- Atlassian Blog: Tips for Managing Flaky Tests
- ThoughtWorks Insights: Improving Software Quality
- Kualitee: Best Practices for Test Case Management