How to Test Your Salesforce Flow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Flow testing in software engineering refers to testing software applications to validate that the software flows work as expected. This involves ensuring that an application’s sequence of processes, tasks, or activities operates smoothly without interruptions or failures. The “flow” can refer to various sequences, such as data flow, control flow, or user navigation flow. Flow testing aims to identify issues related to integration, series of tasks, and overall user experience.

What will you learn:

• Learn practical steps to effectively test Salesforce Flows.
• Understand the importance of thorough flow testing for optimal user experience.

How to test your Salesforce Flow

Within Flow Builder, you have convenient testing options at your fingertips, eliminating the need to navigate away to ensure the functionality of your flow. The button bar offers two distinct buttons: “Run” and “Debug.”

1. **Run** executes the most recently saved version of the open flow.
2. **Debug** encompasses the capabilities of Run while also empowering you with the ability to input values for the flow’s variables and view debug details during execution. This facilitates thorough data processing verification within the flow.

Please note that for testing purposes, it’s recommended to use “Debug” instead of “Run” unless specifically testing the flow in Classic runtime. “Debug” consistently employs Lightning runtime, while “Run” adheres to the organization’s Process Automation settings related to Lightning runtime preferences.

When you initiate “Debug” and opt to display details, you’ll observe the flow’s screen (1) alongside the accompanying debug information (2). While traversing through the flow, new details will progressively populate the right-hand panel.

A snapshot of the New Contact flow in debug mode.

Introducing Flow Interviews

Every time a flow runs, it initiates a flow interview, representing an instance of the flow itself.

Think of this like reading a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. The flow corresponds to the book, offering choices and instructions for each choice, while the flow interview resembles the reader who makes decisions and follows the corresponding instructions. With different data inputs, each interview can traverse a unique path within the flow, resulting in distinct actions.

To witness flow interviews in action, assess the four cases outlined in your test plan.

Testing Your Flow from Flow Builder

1. Within Flow Builder, click “Debug.” Ensure the second checkbox is selected for debug details to be visible. In this particular flow, which lacks subflow elements or input variables, you need not be concerned with those settings.
2. Click “Run.”
3. Verify the first test case.
4. Input a first and last name, and select an account.
5. Leave the toggle unselected.
6. Click “Next.”
7. Review the debug details.

    – The first card identifies the initiator of the flow interview, showing your name and user ID as you initiated it.

   – The second card summarizes the storage of inputs from the screen for the flow interview. For example, because you left the toggle unselected, the {update_toggle} value is set to “false.”

    – The third card displays the retrieval of an existing record or, in this case, the message “Failed to find records” as there was no match for the screen inputs.

    – The fourth card outlines the evaluation of the “Update or Create?” decision, which, in this instance, directs the interview to the “Create New” path, leading to the “Create Contact” element.

    – The fifth card summarizes the “Create Contact” element’s operation, using values in the {!contact} variable to create a contact record.

8. After reviewing the test details, validate the expected results for this test case by confirming the presence of the “Transaction Committed” card at the end of the debug details.
9. Exit Flow Builder.
10. On a Setup page, a record page, or a home page, access the app launcher, search for and select “Sales.”
11. Navigate to the “Contacts” tab.
12. In the “Recently Viewed” list, you should locate a contact with a name matching the one you entered, affiliated with the account you selected.
13. Repeat these steps for the other three test cases. When dealing with matching records, utilize the same first name, last name, and account as in the first test case.
14. If any test cases yield unexpected results, utilize the “Debug Details” to backtrack and identify the issue. Once all test cases pass, you can confidently deploy the flow to your users.

Also Read – Elements of Salesforce Flow 

The Importance of Testing Your Flow

Testing the flow of an application is paramount for a multitude of reasons:

• User Experience: A seamless flow ensures a positive user experience. Interruptions or disruptions can deter users and harm the reputation of the application.
• Business Continuity: Many software applications are crucial for business operations. Any disruption in flow can lead to operational challenges and financial losses.
• Efficiency: Flow testing ensures that all processes within an application work harmoniously, leading to overall efficiency.
• Error Reduction: By catching flow-related issues early, developers can reduce the number of errors or malfunctions that end-users might encounter.
• Trust: Consistent and smooth software operations build trust among users, leading to better adoption rates and positive reviews.

Conclusion

Flow testing, which is frequently disregarded in software testing, is crucial to assessing an application’s success. By ensuring a smooth, error-free flow, developers can deliver applications that resonate well with users, offer great user experiences, and stand the test of real-world scenarios. In the ever-evolving world of software development, where user expectations are constantly rising, paying attention to flow testing can be a costly oversight. By adhering to best practices and understanding the importance of flow, teams can create robust, efficient, and user-friendly applications.

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