What is the purpose of test records during flow tests?

Test records during flow tests serve the crucial function of providing a safe environment for running tests. When testing flows in Salesforce, it is essential to ensure that the tests do not affect live data or disrupt current business processes. By using test records, developers and administrators can simulate the operation of flows without the risk of altering or damaging real data.

Creating a separate environment with test records allows for full exploration and debugging of the flow's functionality. It ensures that any errors or issues can be identified and resolved without impacting users or the production environment. This practice is vital for maintaining data integrity and ensuring the reliability of the processes being automated before they go live.

In contrast, while options such as generating analytical reports or streamlining processes may be relevant in different contexts, they do not directly address the role of test records in providing a risk-free testing atmosphere. Additionally, the idea of keeping records for later reference could be beneficial in some scenarios, but it does not specifically align with the primary purpose of ensuring safe and effective testing of flows.