---
description: Tests must be self-contained; mock external service dependencies
globs: "**/*_test.go"
alwaysApply: false
---

# Test Isolation

Tests must be self-contained. The only shared infrastructure allowed is the database.

- **Database**: tests may depend on a real database connection — this is expected and acceptable.
- **External services** (gRPC clients, HTTP APIs, third-party SDKs, etc.): must be mocked or stubbed. Tests must never make real calls to external services.
- Use interfaces for service dependencies so they are straightforward to mock in tests.
- Keep mocks minimal — only stub the methods the test actually exercises.