---

name: Condition-Based Waiting description: Replace arbitrary timeouts with condition polling for reliable async tests when_to_use: when tests have race conditions, timing dependencies, or inconsistent pass/fail behavior version: 1.1.0 languages: all progressive_disclosure: entry_point: summary: "Replace arbitrary timeouts with condition polling for reliable async tests" when_to_use: "Tests with setTimeout/sleep, flaky tests, or timing-dependent async operations" quick_start: | 1. Identify arbitrary delays in tests (setTimeout, sleep, time.sleep()) 2. Replace with condition-based waiting (waitFor pattern) 3. Use domain-specific helpers for common scenarios See @example.ts for complete working implementation core_pattern: | // ❌ Guessing at timing await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, 50));

  // ✅ Waiting for condition
  await waitFor(() => getResult() !== undefined);

references: - path: references/patterns-and-implementation.md purpose: Detailed waiting patterns, implementation guide, and common mistakes when_to_read: When implementing waitFor or debugging timing issues

Condition-Based Waiting

Overview

Flaky tests often guess at timing with arbitrary delays. This creates race conditions where tests pass on fast machines but fail under load or in CI.

Core principle: Wait for the actual condition you care about, not a guess about how long it takes.

When to Use

digraph when_to_use {
    "Test uses setTimeout/sleep?" [shape=diamond];
    "Testing timing behavior?" [shape=diamond];
    "Document WHY timeout needed" [shape=box];
    "Use condition-based waiting" [shape=box];

    "Test uses setTimeout/sleep?" -> "Testing timing behavior?" [label="yes"];
    "Testing timing behavior?" -> "Document WHY timeout needed" [label="yes"];
    "Testing timing behavior?" -> "Use condition-based waiting" [label="no"];
}

Use when:

• Tests have arbitrary delays (setTimeout, sleep, time.sleep())
• Tests are flaky (pass sometimes, fail under load)
• Tests timeout when run in parallel
• Waiting for async operations to complete

Don't use when:

• Testing actual timing behavior (debounce, throttle intervals)
• Always document WHY if using arbitrary timeout

Core Pattern

// ❌ BEFORE: Guessing at timing
await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, 50));
const result = getResult();
expect(result).toBeDefined();

// ✅ AFTER: Waiting for condition
await waitFor(() => getResult() !== undefined);
const result = getResult();
expect(result).toBeDefined();

Quick Patterns

Scenario	Pattern
Wait for event	waitFor(() => events.find(e => e.type === 'DONE'))
Wait for state	waitFor(() => machine.state === 'ready')
Wait for count	waitFor(() => items.length >= 5)
Wait for file	waitFor(() => fs.existsSync(path))
Complex condition	waitFor(() => obj.ready && obj.value > 10)

Implementation

Generic polling function:

async function waitFor<T>(
  condition: () => T | undefined | null | false,
  description: string,
  timeoutMs = 5000
): Promise<T> {
  const startTime = Date.now();

  while (true) {
    const result = condition();
    if (result) return result;

    if (Date.now() - startTime > timeoutMs) {
      throw new Error(`Timeout waiting for ${description} after ${timeoutMs}ms`);
    }

    await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, 10)); // Poll every 10ms
  }
}

See @example.ts for complete implementation with domain-specific helpers (waitForEvent, waitForEventCount, waitForEventMatch).

For detailed patterns, implementation guide, and common mistakes, see @references/patterns-and-implementation.md

Real-World Impact

From debugging session (2025-10-03):

• Fixed 15 flaky tests across 3 files
• Pass rate: 60% → 100%
• Execution time: 40% faster
• No more race conditions