Blocked test
Also called: Blocked
A test case that can't be run to the end because something outside it is broken or missing.
Definition
A test is blocked when you can't reach or complete the thing it checks: the environment is down, test data is missing, or an earlier bug stops you getting there. Blocked is not Failed: nothing was proven wrong about this case's behavior yet. Always write the reason and, where there is one, link the issue that blocks it.
In practice
The card payment case is blocked because the payment provider's sandbox returns 503 errors. It's re-run when the sandbox is back.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- Execution statusThe result recorded for a test case in a run: Passed, Failed, Blocked, Retest, Skipped or Untested.
- BlockerA bug so serious that it stops testing or a release from continuing.
- EnvironmentA setup of servers, data and configuration where the software runs, such as dev, staging or production.
- Test runOne execution of a chosen set of test cases on a specific build and environment, with a result for each case.