Unit testing, a crucial facet of software development, delves into the intricate details of individual components, scrutinizing them against predefined design criteria. It’s a process that empowers developers to organize and validate their code systematically.
But who are the architects behind these unit tests? It’s none other than the developers themselves. These tests focus on the smaller, testable parts of a program, allowing for swift identification and rectification of errors.
Unit testing isn’t just an option—it’s a pivotal step in achieving comprehensive testing. It provides a detailed and accurate assessment, uncovering defects in their infancy, thus averting potential losses in time, money, and effort.
In this blog, we’ll explore the genesis of unit testing, dissecting why it emerged despite the prevalent practice of complete testing. We’ll also navigate through the challenges of creating unit tests and delve into the myriad benefits they bestow upon the development process. Additionally, we’ll draw a comparison between unit tests and testing, deciphering their distinct roles in ensuring software quality.
Why did the need for unit tests crop up when complete testing was a practice?
- The end-to-end development and delivery to market needed improvement.
- Testing whole software requires more time and efforts.
- Bug fixing at a later stage made re-programming difficult.
- Identifying coding defects was not possible yet affected the functionality.
- Design clarity was missing and compromised.
- Quality check of the build is possible done towards the end of the development cycle.
- No code review added to quality concerns.
- Changing the code laid severe repercussions.
- The illusion that everything should be tested in one shot broke when unit tests were introduced.
Challenges in creating unit tests:
- Coding knowledge is compulsory to write tests
- To be executed by developers
- Each piece of the application should be functional
- Update and create new tests requires the involvement of developers
- Tests should ultimately improve on the improvement of the development process
- All codes should be unit tested to draw benefits
- Coverage of 100% testing in a unit test is a myth
- Clarity on what and how should it be tested is must
Benefits of unit tests:
- Unit test let’s you maintain the quality of codes
- It makes codes reusable and speeds up development
- Controls recurring efforts and costs of fixing the defects
- No need to prepare test cases for everything instead; you can focus on unit test
- It brings in clarity to trace the real reason of the error
What and how to test?
Overall, we need to define what and what not to test in a unit test. Prepare unit test plan review it and work on it with the unit test cases and scripts. We require the codes to be independent of each other to build good unit test.
Testing something that does not include logic in a unit test is unnecessary. Set the rules for unit test according to the needs of organization and projects.
It can be effective if we use production data for the test. Where data is authentic and is not required, you can exclude the check. Otherwise checking the basic level validations can be included.
Usually, unit test does not interact with the database but if the project demands, include that. Optionally inject an independent repository for the mock test.
Object in all layers essentially requires verification even if the field can be null. Include acceptable data in the field that has validations attached to it.
Unit tests are robust and if compilation errors exist, it lets you deal with it. This can save you from complex deployment scripts and the time consumed in the feedback cycle.
Unit tests save you from the failure of projects in long run. The balance required in overall testing is achievable by taking into consideration all different components of the program. Include everything and anything that is important to run a program accurately.
Unit tests vs complete Testing:
| Unit Tests | Testing |
| Easy to create and run | No concern with coding as the objective is functional testing |
| Fast and helps writing clean codes | Slow and complex due to size of activity |
| Ideal time to write your tests is when you are writing codes | Ideal time to create testing document is when your requirement is freezed, and feature is designed |
| Separate testing of Service Layer, Domain and Database | Integrated testing of Service Layer, Domain and Database |
| Build test for even minor checks | It is done on a large scale involving more points |
| Check the complex applications by breaking them to small manageable tests | Test complex applications as a whole |
| Does not consider user requirements | Focuses on user requirements |
| Writing and execution is easy | Complicated in comparison to the unit tests |
| Covers individual modules/units | Covers entire application’s functionality |
| Low costs and maintenance | High costs and maintenance |
| Tests covers fixed number of lines of code | It includes the number of requirements |
| Frequent changes required in tests and coding | Infrequent changes required in tests and coding |
| Not full proof as developers writes them | Involves many things as testers write it |
| Number of test cases is higher so automation is must | Lower test cases compared to unit tests hence both Manual and automation testing can be opted |
| Helps improve software quality | Helps improve features |
| Reports can include components taken into consideration, its expected behavior, & expected versus actual result | Reports can include features taken into consideration, its expected performance, & expected versus actual output |
| If unit tests are written poorly it fails the purpose, especially when the designs are not clear | It can establish a relation between unit tests and functionality testing |
| Unit tests are written before production | Finalized after features have been developed |
| Tests may not function properly when codes are changed, but if the same code is already covered in the tests, the developers can work on it | There is no dependency on codes at all |
| Helps set boundaries and predict mistakes | It does not give a chance for predictability |
| Testing of codes | Testing of functions |
| It is no replacement to functional testing | Unit tests are the reliable checkpoints, using both has a straight impact on quality of software |
Can unit tests replace “testing”?
Quite impractical, as software testing is a combination and series of various processes formed with an intention to crosscheck the accurate functioning of the codes. For developers, finding flaws with their coding is like pointing fingers to themselves. If we cultivate this habit of appreciating testers, it will encourage an eye for detail. The more detailed checking of testing leads to a higher probability of high-quality programs.
In smaller projects, one may get a feel of unit tests replacing testing, which is because of lesser check needed.
In general, developers opine to have written perfectly crafted codes. Proof-reading tends to assist in healthier practices of development. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”— Steve Jobs
Testing breaks the illusion that things are fine, but at the same time, it is an opening for finding some new bugs. Bugs are neither creation of testing nor are the end-result of coding; it’s representation of factual data.
Conceptually conceived product when passes through unit tests; the efforts are concentrated. The smaller lots of test loads reduce investable time and efforts. Wrought the testing but let it flow through a definite testing plan so that you can deliver to meet market challenges.
Testing mindset can figure out the loopholes and developers can fix them.
Final Wrap-up-
In wrapping up, unit testing stands as an essential practice in modern software development. It provides a crucial safety net for developers, allowing them to catch and rectify errors early on. While it’s a powerful tool, it doesn’t replace comprehensive testing. Both unit tests and broader testing strategies work hand in hand to ensure software quality.
Remember, bugs are not a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity for improvement. By embracing systematic testing, we pave the way for higher quality programs. So, integrate unit testing into your development process and let it be your guide to creating robust, error-free software. Happy coding!
