Isolate Tests to Avoid Dependency on Previous Tests: Preventing Flaky Tests in Cypress (Part 4) 🚀
In Part 3, we explored how breaking down complex tests can greatly improve reliability by isolating failures and reducing dependencies. Now, let’s dive into test isolation, another key strategy to prevent flaky tests in Cypress.
One common issue with flaky tests is that they sometimes pass and sometimes fail, even when no changes have been made to the code. This inconsistency is often caused by dependencies between tests. By isolating each test, we can ensure reliable and stable results.
How to Achieve Test Isolation in Cypress:
1.Reset App State: Use beforeEach() to reset the app state before every test. For example:
beforeEach(() => {
cy.clearCookies();
cy.clearLocalStorage();
cy.visit('/login');
});
2. Avoid UI Dependencies: Set up data using API calls (cy.request()) rather than through the UI, which can introduce variability:
cy.request('POST', '/api/login', { username: 'test', password: 'password' });
cy.visit('/dashboard');
3. Mock External Dependencies: Use cy.intercept() to mock external API calls, ensuring they don’t affect test outcomes:
cy.intercept('GET', '/api/products', { fixture: 'products.json' });
cy.visit('/products');
In below snapshot, the test is isolated and focused solely on product creation. The login is handled by an API call, removing UI dependency and reducing the chance of flakiness.
By adopting these strategies and isolating each test, you build a more stable, predictable automation suite, reducing flaky tests and enhancing the reliability of your results.
#Cypress #TestAutomation #FlakyTests #SoftwareQualityAssurance #AutomationTesting #BestPractices #SoftwareTesting #QA
