What are flaky tests and how do they affect software quality?

What are flaky tests and how do they affect software quality?

Flaky tests are tests that sometimes pass and sometimes fail without any changes to the code. They can significantly impact software quality by causing confusion and reducing trust in the test suite.

Can you give me examples of how flaky tests can lead to issues in a project?

Sure! Flaky tests can lead to wasted developer time, as they may spend hours debugging issues that aren't real. They can also delay releases if the team can't determine if the code is stable.

How can teams identify and fix flaky tests?

Teams can identify flaky tests by running them multiple times and monitoring their pass/fail rates. Fixing them often involves improving the test setup, ensuring proper isolation, and sometimes rewriting the tests.

What strategies can be implemented to prevent flaky tests?

To prevent flaky tests, teams should focus on writing reliable tests, using proper test isolation, and regularly reviewing and refactoring tests to ensure they remain stable.