Condition-Based Waiting

Implement condition-based waiting loops in automated tests with configurable timeouts and polling intervals.

Updated Jan 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/MacPhobos/research-mind --skill condition-based-waiting-macphobos
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Condition-Based Waiting
Source: https://github.com/MacPhobos/research-mind/tree/main/.claude/skills/universal-testing-condition-based-waiting
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/MacPhobos/research-mind --skill condition-based-waiting-macphobos

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill addresses flaky tests caused by arbitrary delays and race conditions, ensuring test reliability and reducing execution time.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Condition-Based Waiting: Replaces fixed setTimeout or sleep with checks for actual conditions.
  • Scenario Examples: Waiting for an event, a specific state, a count to be met, a file to exist, or a complex logical condition.
  • Use Case: A test intermittently fails because it tries to access data before it's fully loaded. This Skill allows the test to wait until the data is actually available, preventing the failure.

Quick Start

Use the condition-based waiting skill to wait for the result of getResult() to be defined.

Frequently Asked Questions about Condition-Based Waiting

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I fix flaky tests caused by arbitrary delays and race conditions?

Condition-based waiting eliminates flaky tests by polling for specific outcomes rather than relying on fixed time intervals. It checks for actual conditions like event completion, state changes, or file existence to prevent intermittent test failures.

How do I wait for a file to exist in automated testing instead of using sleep?

Replace sleep with a polling function that checks for file existence or specific states with configurable timeouts. This condition-based approach ensures tests proceed only when the required file or state is actually available.

What is the best way to wait for a specific state or event in automated tests?

Use condition-based polling to wait for specific states, events, or complex logical conditions with configurable timeouts. This approach validates actual outcomes rather than relying on fixed delays, ensuring reliable test execution.

Can I configure timeouts for complex logical conditions in my test automation?

Yes, you can configure timeouts for complex logical conditions using a generic polling function. This allows automated tests to wait for multiple scenarios like counts being met or specific events occurring without arbitrary execution delays.

Why do my automated tests intermittently fail when trying to access data before it's fully loaded?

Automated tests fail intermittently due to race conditions when accessing data before it is fully loaded. Condition-based waiting solves this by polling until the data is actually available rather than using fixed delays.