nf-test

nf-test provides a modular testing framework for bioinformatics workflows built with Nextflow DSL2 syntax, enabling isolated testing of process blocks, workflow patterns, and entire pipelines while validating their outputs.

Key Features:

• Modular Testing: Tests process blocks, workflow patterns, and entire pipelines in isolation while validating their outputs.
• Snapshot Testing: Captures and compares outputs to detect unexpected changes in workflow results.
• Smart Testing: Optimizes resource usage by testing only modified modules, reducing test execution time by up to 80%.
• Nextflow DSL2 Syntax: Uses a syntax similar to Nextflow DSL2 for writing tests.

Scientific Applications:

• Bioinformatics Pipeline Validation: Ensures correctness and reliability of large and complex Nextflow pipelines through automated unit testing.
• Software Quality Assurance: Identifies bugs and issues early in the development process to enhance software quality.
• Pipeline Maintenance: Improves robustness and maintainability of bioinformatics pipelines adopted by numerous pipelines in the nf-core community.

Methodology:

nf-test is built with a syntax similar to Nextflow DSL2 and implements snapshot testing and smart testing to optimize resource usage by testing only modified modules.