terraform-run-acceptance-tests

name	terraform-run-acceptance-tests
description	Guide for running acceptance tests for a Terraform provider. Use this when asked to run an acceptance test or to run a test with the prefix `TestAcc`.
license	MPL-2.0
metadata	{"copyright":"Copyright IBM Corp. 2026","version":"0.0.1"}

An acceptance test is a Go test function with the prefix TestAcc.

To run a focussed acceptance test named TestAccFeatureHappyPath:

1. Run go test -run=TestAccFeatureHappyPath with the following environment variables:

   • TF_ACC=1

   Default to non-verbose test output.

2. The acceptance tests may require additional environment variables for specific providers. If the test output indicates missing environment variables, then suggest how to set up these environment variables securely.

To diagnose a failing acceptance test, use these options, in order. These options are cumulative: each option includes all the options above it.

1. Run the test again. Use the -count=1 option to ensure that go test does not use a cached result.
2. Offer verbose go test output. Use the -v option.
3. Offer debug-level logging. Enable debug-level logging with the environment variable TF_LOG=debug.
4. Offer to persist the acceptance test's Terraform workspace. Enable persistance with the environment variable TF_ACC_WORKING_DIR_PERSIST=1.

A passing acceptance test may be a false negative. To "flip" a passing acceptance test named TestAccFeatureHappyPath:

1. Edit the value of one of the TestCheckFuncs in one of the TestSteps in the TestCase.
2. Run the acceptance test. Expect the test to fail.
3. If the test fails, then undo the edit and report a successful flip. Else, keep the edit and report an unsuccessful flip.