> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://engineering.unkey.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Anti-patterns

> Common testing mistakes to avoid

## Sleeping instead of synchronizing

Do not use `time.Sleep` to wait for async work. Use `require.Eventually` or a test clock.

## Testing implementation details

Verify public behavior, not internal fields. Refactors should not break tests when behavior is unchanged.

## Shared mutable state

Avoid global state between tests. Isolate resources per test or reset state explicitly.

## Ignoring setup errors

Fail fast on setup errors so failures are clear and localized.

## Hardcoded identifiers

Use `pkg/uid` to generate unique IDs so parallel tests do not collide.

## Over-mocking

Prefer real dependencies when feasible. Mocks often assert calls instead of behavior.

## Missing subtests

Use `t.Run` for table cases so failures identify the case.

## Forgetting `t.Helper()`

Helpers that assert must call `t.Helper()` so failures point at the call site.