Resetting Mock Servers Between Tests Prevents Order-Dependent Failures

Stateful mock servers that persist stubs, counters, and scenario positions across tests can make suites fail for reasons unrelated to the code under test. Real isolation means returning the mock to a known baseline before each test, either by using a disposable instance, calling an explicit reset, or scoping each test to a unique context. Resetting in the setup phase rather than in cleanup ensures a failed test cannot corrupt the tests that follow. A test suite that only passes when run in a specific sequence has hidden dependencies that should be removed. Documenting the baseline configuration in a versioned file helps new contributors understand the mock's starting state.