Fixing Test Duplication In QA Artifacts: A Streamlined Approach

Hey guys! Let's dive into an issue we've spotted in our QA automation setup. It's about how our generated artifacts are duplicating tests from the qa-testing-examples module. This situation leads to some extra work and potential headaches, so let's break it down and see how we can make things better. This article will explore the current state of our testing artifacts, highlighting the duplication issue and its consequences. Then, we'll discuss a more streamlined approach to ensure our testing process is efficient and reliable. We'll focus on minimizing redundancy, reducing maintenance efforts, and improving the overall stability of our QA testing archetype.

Current State: The Duplication Dilemma

Currently, the generated artifact replicates tests found in the qa-testing-examples module. This duplication creates a significant maintenance overhead. Whenever there are changes in the infrastructure that affect existing tests, those tests must be modified in both the examples module and the qa-testing-archetype module. This double maintenance effort not only consumes valuable time but also increases the risk of inconsistencies if updates are not synchronized correctly. It's like having to update the same information in two different places every single time – a real drag, right?

Moreover, the examples module includes tests that rely on external services. These external services often exhibit sporadic failures, which can lead to build failures. Sometimes, these failures can be resolved manually by re-running the failed builds. However, when these external services fail regularly, the tests have to be disabled, adding another layer of complexity and instability to our testing process. Think of it as trying to build a house on shaky ground – sooner or later, something's gotta give.

Let's look at some specific examples to illustrate these issues:

External Service Dependencies and Failures

• Swagger Petstore: This service occasionally fails to list and add pets, causing our tests to break unpredictably. Imagine trying to run a pet store smoothly when you can't even keep track of your animals! These intermittent failures make our test suite unreliable and time-consuming to maintain.
• Google Search: Google has started to block automated tests with CAPTCHAs. This is a significant roadblock because it prevents our automated scripts from interacting with the search engine, rendering those tests useless. It's like trying to have a conversation with someone who keeps asking you to prove you're not a robot – super frustrating and unproductive.
• GitHub CI Hosted Runners: Selenium tests that use local browser activation are no longer supported on GitHub CI Hosted Runners. This means that a whole category of our tests that rely on this setup are now failing, forcing us to rethink our approach to browser testing. It's like showing up to a race with a car that's no longer allowed on the track – time to find a new ride!

These examples highlight the challenges of relying on external services for our tests. While external service tests can be valuable for integration testing and ensuring compatibility with third-party systems, they also introduce dependencies that can lead to instability and maintenance overhead. By reducing the reliance on external services in the generated artifact, we can create a more stable and reliable testing environment.

The current approach not only increases maintenance effort but also contributes to the instability of our builds. It's crucial to address these issues to create a more robust and reliable QA testing archetype. A streamlined approach can help us focus on the core functionality of our projects without getting bogged down by external dependencies and redundant tests.

How to Make It Better: A Streamlined Approach

To improve our QA testing archetype, we need to rethink the content of the generated artifact. Instead of duplicating tests from the qa-testing-examples module, the generated artifact should contain a minimal self-test suite. This self-test suite should focus on demonstrating the fundamental capabilities of the archetype. This approach reduces redundancy and maintenance overhead, making our testing process more efficient and reliable. Let's dive into what this minimal self-test suite should include:

Core Components of the Minimal Self-Test Suite

The minimal self-test suite should demonstrate the essential functionalities of the archetype. It should cover the basic steps involved in generating a project, building a standalone testing artifact, and running the tests. By focusing on these core components, we ensure that the archetype itself is functioning correctly without introducing unnecessary complexity.

1. Generating a Project: The first step in our self-test should verify that a new project can be generated successfully using the archetype. This test ensures that the project scaffolding and initial setup are working as expected. Think of it as laying the foundation for a building – if the foundation is solid, everything else can be built on top of it.

   • This test could involve invoking the archetype generation command and verifying that the project directory is created with the expected structure and files. It should also check for any errors or warnings during the generation process.

2. Building a Standalone Testing Artifact: Once the project is generated, the next step is to build a standalone testing artifact from it. This test ensures that the project can be compiled and packaged into an executable test suite. It's like assembling the different parts of a machine – if they fit together correctly, the machine will run smoothly.

   • This test could involve running the build command (e.g., mvn clean install) and verifying that the build completes without errors. It should also check that the test artifact (e.g., a JAR file) is created in the expected location.

3. Running the Testing Artifact: Finally, the self-test suite should demonstrate the ability to run the generated testing artifact and verify that the tests pass. This step ensures that the core testing framework is functioning correctly and that the generated tests can be executed successfully. It's like starting the engine of a car – if it starts and runs smoothly, you know you're good to go.

   • This test could involve executing the test artifact and verifying that the tests are executed and pass without failures. It should also check the test results to ensure that the expected number of tests are run and that all assertions are met.

By focusing on these three core components, we can create a minimal self-test suite that provides a high level of confidence in the functionality of the archetype. This approach reduces the reliance on external services and minimizes the maintenance overhead associated with duplicated tests. It's like having a quick and reliable way to check the health of our testing framework without getting bogged down by unnecessary details.

Benefits of the Minimal Self-Test Approach

• Reduced Maintenance Overhead: By eliminating duplicated tests, we significantly reduce the effort required to maintain the test suite. Changes to the infrastructure or testing framework only need to be made in one place, making the maintenance process more efficient and less error-prone. It's like decluttering your workspace – less stuff to manage means more time to focus on the important tasks.
• Improved Stability: By minimizing dependencies on external services, we create a more stable testing environment. The self-test suite focuses on the core functionality of the archetype, reducing the risk of failures caused by external factors. It's like building a fortress on solid ground – less vulnerable to external threats and disruptions.
• Faster Feedback Loops: A minimal self-test suite can be executed quickly, providing faster feedback on the health of the archetype. This allows us to identify and fix issues more quickly, reducing the impact on development workflows. It's like having a quick diagnostic tool – you can identify and fix problems before they escalate.
• Clearer Focus: By focusing on the core functionalities, the minimal self-test suite provides a clear understanding of the archetype's capabilities. This makes it easier for developers to use and contribute to the archetype. It's like having a clear roadmap – you know exactly where you're going and how to get there.

In conclusion, adopting a minimal self-test approach for the generated artifact offers several significant benefits. It reduces maintenance overhead, improves stability, provides faster feedback loops, and fosters a clearer focus on the core functionalities of the archetype. By making these changes, we can create a more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly QA testing archetype.

Conclusion: Streamlining Our Testing Artifacts

Alright, guys, to wrap things up, it's clear that our current approach of duplicating tests in the generated artifact isn't the most efficient way to go. By shifting towards a minimal self-test suite, we can significantly reduce maintenance efforts, improve the stability of our tests, and get faster feedback on the health of our archetype. This means less time spent wrestling with flaky tests and more time building awesome software! Let's make these changes and create a smoother, more reliable testing process for everyone. This move not only simplifies our current testing procedures but also sets a solid foundation for future enhancements and scalability. By embracing a streamlined approach, we ensure that our QA testing archetype remains a robust and efficient tool for years to come. Ultimately, this leads to better quality software, happier developers, and satisfied users. So, let's get to work and make it happen!