How do you handle flaky tests in BDD testing?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to handle flaky tests is to identify the root cause of their inconsistency. There are many possible causes of flaky tests, such as network issues, timing problems, concurrency errors, test data dependencies, or code changes. You can use tools and techniques such as logging, debugging, test isolation, test retries, or test reports to pinpoint the source of the flakiness. Once you identify the cause, you can either fix it or mark the test as unstable and prioritize it for further investigation.

2 Write clear and concise scenarios

The second step to handle flaky tests is to write clear and concise scenarios that describe the behavior and outcomes of the software features. Scenarios are the core of BDD testing, and they use a given-when-then format to specify the context, action, and result of a test case. You should write scenarios that are easy to understand, focused on one aspect, and independent of other scenarios. You should also avoid using ambiguous or vague terms, such as "soon", "sometimes", or "usually", and use concrete and specific values instead.

3 Use consistent and reliable test data

The third step to handle flaky tests is to use consistent and reliable test data that supports the scenarios and does not change unexpectedly. Test data can be a source of flakiness if it is not properly managed, cleaned, or refreshed. You should use test data that is isolated from other tests, and that does not depend on external factors, such as the system time, the environment, or the database state. You should also use test data that is relevant, realistic, and representative of the actual user data.

4 Implement robust and stable test automation

The fourth step to handle flaky tests is to implement robust and stable test automation that executes the scenarios and verifies the outcomes. Test automation can be a source of flakiness if it is not well-designed, maintained, or synchronized. You should use test automation frameworks and tools that support BDD testing, such as Cucumber, SpecFlow, or Behave. You should also use test automation best practices, such as following the page object model, using explicit waits, handling exceptions, or using assertions.

5 Monitor and analyze test results

The fifth step to handle flaky tests is to monitor and analyze the test results and identify any patterns or trends of flakiness. You can use test management tools and dashboards, such as TestRail, Zephyr, or Allure, to track and report the test results and metrics, such as pass/fail rate, duration, coverage, or quality. You should also use test analysis techniques, such as root cause analysis, Pareto analysis, or fishbone diagram, to find out the most common or critical causes of flakiness and prioritize them for resolution.

6 Review and refactor test code

The sixth step to handle flaky tests is to review and refactor the test code and ensure that it follows the BDD principles and standards. You can use code review tools and processes, such as GitHub, Bitbucket, or Gerrit, to check and improve the quality, readability, and maintainability of the test code. You should also use code refactoring techniques, such as extracting methods, renaming variables, or removing duplication, to simplify and optimize the test code and reduce the risk of flakiness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?