@Disabled for skipping tests in JUnit - Build an Automation Script

Skip a test method using @Disabled annotation

Preconditions (2)

Step 1: Annotate one test method with @Disabled

Step 2: Run the test class

Step 3: Observe that the disabled test method is skipped

Step 4: Verify that other test methods run normally

✅ Expected Result: The test method annotated with @Disabled is skipped and not executed. Other test methods run and pass or fail as usual.

Automation Requirements - JUnit 5

Assertions Needed:

Verify that the disabled test method is not executed

Verify that other test methods execute normally

Best Practices:

Use @Disabled annotation directly above the test method

Keep test methods independent

Use descriptive names for disabled tests explaining why they are skipped

Automated Solution

JUnit

import org.junit.jupiter.api.Disabled;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;
import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertTrue;

public class DisabledTestExample {

    @Test
    void activeTest() {
        assertTrue(5 > 2, "Active test should run and pass");
    }

    @Disabled("Skipping this test temporarily due to bug #123")
    @Test
    void skippedTest() {
        // This test will be skipped
        assertTrue(false, "This test should be skipped and not fail");
    }
}

The code defines two test methods inside a test class.

The activeTest method is a normal test and will run when the tests are executed.

The skippedTest method is annotated with @Disabled and a reason string. This tells JUnit to skip this test during execution.

Assertions inside activeTest verify normal behavior. The assertion inside skippedTest would fail if run, but since the test is disabled, it is not executed, so no failure occurs.

This setup helps temporarily skip tests without deleting or commenting them out.

Common Mistakes - 3 Pitfalls

Using @Disabled without a reason string

Disabling tests permanently without tracking

Using @Disabled on the whole test class without need

Bonus Challenge

Now add a third test method that is conditionally disabled only on Windows OS

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