What are the best practices for using timeouts in tests?

What are the best practices for using timeouts in tests?

When using timeouts in tests, it's important to set them appropriately to avoid false negatives. Aim for a balance between giving enough time for operations to complete and not waiting too long.

How do I determine the right timeout duration?

The right timeout duration often depends on the specific operation being tested. Start with a baseline based on average execution time and adjust based on observed performance.

Should I use fixed or dynamic timeouts?

Dynamic timeouts are generally preferred as they can adapt to varying conditions, but fixed timeouts can be simpler to implement for consistent operations.

What happens if a timeout is too short?

If a timeout is too short, you may encounter false negatives where tests fail even though the code is functioning correctly. This can lead to unnecessary debugging.

Can you give examples of when to use timeouts?

Sure! Use timeouts for operations like network requests, database queries, or any asynchronous tasks where delays are possible.