One of the most frustrating and common issues in app development is when an app works perfectly on your developer’s machine, but fails during quality assurance (QA). Even worse, it may pass all QA tests, yet still break in the hands of actual users.
Thankfully, modern development tools and practices can largely eliminate this problem across most software projects.
Why “It Works on My Machine” Is a Real Problem
This classical problem, where the same application can work on one device but not another, leads to:
- Slower development cycles
- Reduced developer confidence
- Frustrated users
- Increased QA overhead
This inconsistency must be fixed because it can delay releases, introduce bugs in production, and affect app performance.
What Causes the Issue?
These inconsistencies are usually caused by differences in the software environment:
- Developer machines
- QA/testing systems
- Application servers
- End-user devices
Even small variations, like using Python 3.6.2 instead of 3.6.3, can break functionality. Other issues may stem from:
- Different operating systems or OS versions
- Inconsistent software dependencies
- Missing libraries or tools
- Conflicting package versions
Because apps have tons of moving parts, these differences are often difficult to track and reproduce manually.
How Do You Prevent the “It Works on My Machine” Problem?
To stay proactive, developers and QA teams should follow these key practices during the app development lifecycle:
1. Use Version Control Systems
A reliable version control system, such as Git, is essential for tracking code changes across all environments in app development. It ensures consistency and makes rollbacks easy when facing serious production bugs.
2. Declare All Dependencies and Versions
Use language-specific package managers to list all required libraries and their exact versions:
- Python: pip and requirements.txt
- Java: Gradle or Maven
- JavaScript: npm or yarn
This allows the exact app environment to be recreated anywhere and can quickly uncover why an app failed on a different device.
3. Set up IAC (Infrastructure as Code)
IAC ensures that all configurations/settings for your servers and services are configured the same in all environments (dev, staging, and production). With proper IAC, changes to these configurations are version-controlled and replicated in all environments. Therefore, you’ll avoid updates that work in one of the lower environments while failing inexplicably in production.
4. Set Up a CI/CD Pipeline
A CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment) system ensures the app:
- Builds from a clean state
- Installs the specified dependencies
- Passes all automated tests
Tools like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, and CircleCI can replicate user conditions by running tests on different device simulators (e.g., iOS/Safari, Android/Chrome). As a result, bugs are caught on various devices before they reach production.
5. Use Docker for Complex Environments
If your app has deep integrations into an operating system or has hard-to-manage dependencies, Docker or similar containerization tools may be the answer. They create isolated, portable environments that work consistently across your dev, QA, and production environments. Note, this is especially true on the server side of your app.
Although containerization is a more reliable option, it tends to be more complex and resource-intensive than the previous four options. Additionally, containers don’t remove the need for the last four tools; they can be used as needed for software requiring more complex build steps.
6. Summary: Eliminate Deployment Surprises
By using proper tooling and best practices, you can eliminate the “it works on my machine” problem:
| Tool/Practice | Purpose |
| Git | Track code and maintain consistent versions |
| pip/npm/gradle | Define and lock dependency versions |
| IAC | Standardize configurations/settings across different environments |
| CI/CD pipelines | Test and build in clean, consistent environments |
| Docker (for complex apps) | Package complete environments for guaranteed consistency |
Our Final Thoughts
Preventing this issue is not just a QA concern; it’s a fundamental part of building reliable, scalable apps. Whether you’re building a lightweight MVP or a complex enterprise solution, prioritizing environment consistency and quality assurance from the start will save time, reduce bugs, and improve user satisfaction.
Do you need a stable app across multiple devices or help setting up your CI/CD pipeline and/or Docker environment? Uplancer Agency can help streamline your app development process and reduce your QA headaches. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
