Failed Test: What To Do When Your Test Fails?

Testing is an essential part of the development process, ensuring that the application performs as expected. However, encountering failed tests is inevitable. Understanding how to handle these failures is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your application and improving your testing process. In this blog post, we'll discuss the steps you should take when your test fails and how to manage and correct these issues efficiently.

Check also:

• Selenium Cheat Sheet
• Best Selenium Practice Websites
• XPath Cheat Sheet
• Why Should You Use data-testid Attributes?

Identify the Cause of the Test Failure

When a test fails, the first step is to identify the cause of the failure. This involves examining the test case and understanding why it did not pass. There are several common reasons for test failures:

1. Code Changes: Recent changes in the code may cause certain test cases to fail. Ensure that the new code is compatible with existing tests.
2. Test Script Errors: Errors in the test script, such as syntax errors or incorrect logic, can lead to test failures.
3. Environment Issues: Problems with the test environment, such as incorrect configuration or network issues, can cause tests to fail.
4. Data Issues: Incorrect or missing test data can also lead to failures.
5. UI Changes: Changes in the user interface (UI), such as updated element IDs or modified CSS selectors, can cause failures in UI tests.

Steps to Handle a Failed Test

A well-maintained test suite is crucial for successful test execution. Each suite should contain clearly defined test cases that are easy to navigate and understand. Proper setup and configuration of the test environment, including servers and data files, help in minimizing errors that occur during test runs. Detailed logging and capturing snapshots of the screen at the time of failure provide valuable info for troubleshooting.

When a failure is detected, it is important to review the complete test case, from the initial setup to the final verification steps. This includes checking visible elements, verifying correct text inputs, and ensuring that the expected outputs are displayed correctly. Collecting and analyzing logs can help locate the exact point of failure, whether it's due to network issues, incorrect file formats, or problems with the app's business logic.

Review the Test Failure

Carefully review the test failure message and the associated logs. Look for error messages or stack traces that can provide clues about what went wrong. In case of automated tests, use tools like Selenium to capture screenshots of the UI at the time of failure for further investigation.

Reproduce the Failure Manually

Try to reproduce the failure manually by following the steps outlined in the test case. This helps confirm whether the issue is with the test case or the application itself.

Check for Recent Changes

Review recent changes in the code, test scripts, or environment configurations that might have caused the test failure. Use version control systems like Git to identify recent commits and changes.

Analyze the Test Script

Analyze the test script to ensure there are no errors or incorrect assumptions. Check for proper syntax, logic, and validation steps.

Verify the Test Environment

Ensure that the test environment is set up correctly and that all required resources are available. Verify the configuration, network connectivity, and any other dependencies.

Update the Test Case

If the application has changed, update the test case accordingly. This might involve modifying element locators, adjusting timeouts, or updating test data.

Check also our guide on the test cases for ecommerce website.

Rerun the Test

After making the necessary changes, rerun the test to see if it passes. If the test continues to fail, gather more information and repeat the troubleshooting process.

Best Practices for Handling Test Failures

Use Clear and Descriptive Test Cases

Ensure that your test cases are clear and descriptive, making it easier to identify the steps and expected outcomes. Include detailed documentation and comments in your test scripts.

Automate Where Possible

Automate your tests using tools like Selenium to reduce manual effort and increase test coverage. Automation helps in running tests more frequently and catching issues early.

Monitor and Log Test Runs

Implement logging and monitoring for your test runs. Tools like Selenium Grid can help run tests in parallel, and logging frameworks can capture detailed information about each test run.

Maintain a Stable Test Environment

Ensure that your test environment is stable and consistent. Use configuration management tools to manage environment settings and dependencies.

Implement Continuous Integration

Integrate your tests into a continuous integration (CI) pipeline. This ensures that tests are run automatically with every code change, helping to catch issues early.

Collaborate and Communicate

Encourage collaboration between testers, developers, and other stakeholders. Communicate test results and issues clearly to facilitate quick resolution.

Regularly Update Test Cases

Regularly review and update your test cases to keep them relevant and accurate. Remove outdated tests and add new ones as the application evolves.

Conclusion

In summary, handling failed tests efficiently is a critical aspect of maintaining a robust and reliable application. Test automation plays a pivotal role in this process, allowing tests to execute consistently across different environments and browsers. When tests fail due to issues such as incorrect input, delays in loading, or changes in the business logic, it is essential to systematically identify and fix these problems.

Efficient management of test failures involves rerunning tests after making necessary fixes, ensuring no additional issues have been introduced. Tools that support parallel test execution can significantly speed up this process. Properly formatted and well-documented test cases, combined with automated scripts, help in reducing manual effort and improving overall test coverage.

Hence, adopting best practices in test automation, maintaining a stable test environment, and regularly updating test cases are essential for ensuring the quality of your application. By addressing failures promptly and thoroughly, you can enhance the efficiency of your testing process and ensure smooth progress in your development lifecycle.

Happy (automated) testing!