Nextest: Why Process-per-Test?

Cargo-nextest, a Rust test runner, distinguishes itself by running each test in a separate process. This article delves into the rationale, emphasizing not just the technical benefits but also its role as a coordination point within the massive Rust ecosystem. Process isolation prevents test interference, addressing issues like shared resource contention and memory leaks, thus boosting reliability. While process creation incurs some overhead, the advantages outweigh the costs, particularly for large test suites, making it a stable and reliable focal point in Rust testing.