* Flaky Tests: An asterisk might indicate a test that is known to be unreliable or intermittent – sometimes passing, sometimes failing, without a clear reason. This alerts developers to its unreliability and the need for further investigation and stabilization.
* Tests Needing Attention: It can flag a test that requires further attention, such as needing to be updated, improved, or investigated for potential issues. This might be because the test is slow, complex, or has a known limitation.
* Tests in a Beta or Experimental State: A new or experimental test might be marked with an asterisk to indicate it's not yet fully vetted and might be subject to change.
* Tests with a Specific Configuration: In some cases, an asterisk might denote a test that requires a specific configuration, environment, or setup to run correctly.
* Manual Tests: In a mixed environment of automated and manual tests, an asterisk might differentiate manual tests from automated ones.
In short: The meaning of an asterisk on a test is arbitrary unless a clear legend or documentation is provided to explain its significance within that project. Always check the project's documentation or testing guidelines to understand what an asterisk signifies in that specific context.