Windsurf
testing
API Tests Hitting Real Endpoints in Windsurf Project
Tests in your Windsurf-generated project are making real HTTP requests to external APIs instead of using mocks. This causes tests to be slow, flaky, expensive (burning API credits), and destructive (creating real data in third-party services). Password reset emails get sent to real users during tests, real charges appear on payment processors, and tests fail when external APIs are down.
Cascade generates test files that set up the test scenario but doesn't intercept outbound HTTP requests. The test code calls your app's functions, which in turn call real Stripe, SendGrid, OpenAI, or other APIs. In development this may go unnoticed because the API keys are for test/sandbox environments, but it still makes tests slow and unreliable.
The problem becomes critical when tests run in CI/CD pipelines where they execute on every push, rapidly consuming API quotas and creating garbage data in external services.
Error Messages You Might See
Test timeout: API request took too long
Stripe: API key not valid for test mode
Error: getaddrinfo ENOTFOUND api.external-service.com
Rate limited during test run
402 Payment Required in test environment
Common Causes
- No HTTP interception library — The test suite doesn't use nock, msw, or similar tools to intercept outbound HTTP requests
- Service layer not abstracted — External API calls are made directly in business logic instead of through injectable service classes
- Environment variables pointing to real APIs — Test environment uses real API keys instead of test/mock keys
- Missing test environment configuration — No .env.test file or NODE_ENV=test check to switch to mock implementations
- Mocks set up but not activated — HTTP mocking library is installed but the mocks aren't started before tests or cleaned up after
How to Fix It
- Install MSW (Mock Service Worker) — Set up msw to intercept all outbound HTTP requests in tests. Define handlers that return predetermined responses for each external API
- Create a .env.test file — Use fake or empty API keys in test configuration so even if mocks fail, real APIs aren't called
- Add a global test setup — In jest.setup.ts or a beforeAll, start the MSW server. In afterAll, close it. In afterEach, reset handlers to default
- Use nock for specific API mocking — For precise control, use nock to mock individual HTTP endpoints and assert they were called with expected parameters
- Fail tests on unmocked requests — Configure MSW or nock to throw an error on any unhandled HTTP request, making it impossible for tests to hit real APIs
- Abstract external services — Create wrapper classes for each external API and inject mock implementations in tests
Real developers can help you.
Taufan
I’m a product-focused engineer and tech leader who builds scalable systems and turns ideas into production-ready platforms.
Over the past years, I’ve worked across startups and fast-moving teams, leading backend architecture, improving system reliability, and shipping products used by thousands of users. My strength is not just writing code — but connecting product vision, technical execution, and business impact.
Jaime Orts-Caroff
I'm a Senior Android developer, open to work in various fields
Jen Jacobsen
I’m a Full-Stack Developer with over 10 years of experience building modern web and mobile applications. I enjoy working across the full product lifecycle — turning ideas into real, well-built products that are intuitive for users and scalable for businesses.
I particularly enjoy building mobile apps, modern web platforms, and solving complex technical problems in a way that keeps systems clean, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Alvin Voo
I’ve watched the tech landscape evolve over the last decade—from the structured days of Java Server Pages to the current "wild west" of Agentic-driven development. While AI can "vibe" a frontend into existence, I specialize in the architecture that keeps it from collapsing.
My expertise lies in the critical backend infrastructure: the parts that must be fast, secure, and scalable. I thrive on high-pressure environments, such as when I had only three weeks to architect and launch an Ethereum redemption system with minimal prior crypto knowledge, turning it into a major revenue stream.
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Solo dev shipping production apps with AI-assisted development. I specialize in rescuing broken Lovable/Bolt/Cursor builds and taking them to production. 10+ apps shipped including SaaS CRMs, gaming platforms, real estate tools, and Discord bots. Stack: Next.js 16, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Prisma. I use Claude Code with 50+ custom skills for rapid delivery. Average turnaround: 2-4 weeks from broken prototype to production.
Dor Yaloz
SW engineer with 6+ years of experience,
I worked with React/Node/Python
did projects with React+Capacitor.js for ios
Supabase expert
PawelPloszaj
I'm fronted developer with 10+ years of experience with big projects. I have small backend background too
Caio Rodrigues
I'm a full-stack developer focused on building practical and scalable web applications. My main experience is with **React, TypeScript, and modern frontend architectures**, where I prioritize clean code, component reusability, and maintainable project structures.
I have strong experience working with **dynamic forms, state management (Redux / React Hook Form), and complex data-driven interfaces**. I enjoy solving real-world problems by turning ideas into reliable software that companies can actually use in their daily operations.
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I'm also comfortable working across the stack when needed, integrating APIs, handling business logic, and helping transform prototypes into production-ready systems.
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Simon A.
I'm a backend developer building APIs, emulators, and interactive game systems. Professionally, I've developed Java/Spring reporting solutions, managed relational and NoSQL databases, and implemented CI/CD workflows.
Jared Hasson
Full time lead founding dev at a cyber security saas startup, with 10 yoe and a bachelor's in CS. Building & debugging software products is what I've spent my time on for forever
You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.
Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to mock HTTP requests in tests?
Use MSW (Mock Service Worker) for broad HTTP interception — it works at the network level and catches all requests. Use nock for precise assertions about specific API calls. Both can be configured to fail on unmocked requests.
Should I use Stripe test mode or mock Stripe entirely?
For unit tests, mock Stripe entirely with MSW or nock for speed and reliability. For integration tests, use Stripe's test mode with test API keys. Never use live mode in any test environment.