Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

A test that fails intermittently is not necessarily flaky. Check what happened in the failing run: an assertion or harness failure, an unhandled language exception, or termination of the app process. A native crash can appear only under certain conditions, but a later passing run does not erase the crash evidence.

First determine what failed

“Flaky” describes inconsistent test outcomes; it does not identify the failure mechanism. Start with the failing run’s output and artifacts. Did the test runner report an assertion or setup failure while the app kept running, or did the application process stop unexpectedly?

Failure type What happened Evidence to look for
Assertion or harness failure A test expectation, setup step, or test infrastructure failed; the app process may still be alive. Assertion output, runner logs, or a harness error.
Unhandled language exception An exception was not handled along the applicable language/runtime path, and may terminate the process. Exception type and message, plus the stack trace.
Native fault or fatal runtime failure A low-level fault or signal can terminate the app process without passing through an ordinary managed-language handler. Crash report, signal or exception information, and the crash stack.

Android Developers defines an app crash as an unexpected exit caused by an unhandled exception or signal, including native signals such as SIGSEGV (Crashes | App quality). Its diagnostic guidance describes a crash stack trace as the nested function calls leading up to the failure and notes that causes can include invalid API arguments and multithreaded interactions (Crashes).

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why try/catch may not reach a crash

A try/catch handler works only for exceptions that travel through a supported exception-handling path and reach that handler’s scope. It is not a general-purpose recovery mechanism for a process that has already been terminated by a native signal or fatal runtime failure.

#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

This distinction does not mean all exceptions bypass handlers. Apple documents a specific exception-unwinding boundary: if a thrown exception reaches a stack frame without unwind data, handling cannot proceed and the process halts. That guidance is tied to the platform and build context; it is not evidence that ordinary language-level try/catch is ineffective in general (Addressing language exception crashes).

The same boundary matters in apps that combine managed and native code. Expo’s error-reporting documentation says that, in its supported reporting setup, a native crash terminates the app before JavaScript can react; a report is written on-device and dispatched at the next launch (Error reporting). Treat that as Expo’s documented behavior for its setup, not a universal guarantee for every JavaScript environment.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Collect evidence from the failing run

On Android

Inspect the crash stack trace and identify whether it reports an unhandled Java or Kotlin exception, a native signal, or another termination cause. Android notes that an app process may crash even when the app is not foregrounded, so consider background components and the timing of the failure as well as the visible UI (Crashes | App quality).

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On Apple platforms

Use a crash report to see how the app terminated and what code was running on each thread at the time. Apple distinguishes crash reports from Jetsam event reports and device console logs, which provide different kinds of context. Its collection guidance covers reports from App Store, TestFlight, and devices; for issues that are not crashes, Apple recommends operating system console logs (Diagnosing issues using crash reports and device logs; Acquiring crash reports and diagnostic logs).

Rank #3
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Keep test output and crash artifacts together

Match the test-runner output to the application’s crash report or device logs for the same failed run. A runner failure explains what the test observed; a crash artifact can show that the app process terminated and provide the exception, signal, or thread context. These are related evidence, not interchangeable labels.

Classify repeatability only after the failure mechanism

  1. Read the failing test output. Separate an assertion or harness error from evidence that the application process stopped.
  2. Find platform artifacts for that run. On Android, inspect the crash stack trace; on Apple platforms, use the crash report for a crash and console logs for a non-crash issue.
  3. Locate the handler boundary. Decide whether the event is a catchable exception in the relevant scope, an unhandled exception, or a native/fatal termination that cannot be recovered by the handler you expected to run.
  4. Then investigate intermittency. Re-run or vary conditions to understand when the failure reproduces. Do not treat a later pass as proof that an earlier crash did not happen.

There is no universal retry count that turns a failure into a flaky test. Reproducibility helps characterize the conditions; it does not replace the evidence that identifies what failed.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Crash reports, non-fatal events, and test failures are different records

Crash reports document process termination. Non-fatal exception events record errors that were reported without treating them as the same category as a crash. Test failures record what the test runner judged unsuccessful. For example, Firebase Crashlytics documents crash and non-fatal reporting as separate paths; it can collect and group events using details such as stack frames and messages (Firebase Crashlytics; Customize crash reports for Android). Reporting tools can help collect and triage evidence, but the cited documentation does not establish that they prevent crashes or independently prove root cause.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.