In software testing, Micro testing techniques should be given as much attention as the Macro manifestos. Unit testing is one of the prominent processes of Micromanagement in testing.

In this article, we will learn about some good practices to apply while performing the unit testing. Writing a good and efficient unit test code is an important task in the whole testing process. For that, first, we need to understand what is ‘Unit testing’.

In essence, the Unit testing is performed on smaller units of the whole system to check the performance of the whole system. The integration of each code with the whole architecture is tested.

Now, let’s try to define Unit testing and see the best pointers to consider while performing it.

What is Unit Testing?

Definition: The verification of the behavior of every component of the software, covering all the functionalities of the software. It consists of 3 parts:

• Initialization:
A small part of the software in question is started. The software/application is called the System Under Test (SUT).
• Stimulus:

After starting it, an incentive or a kind of stimulus is given to the software. A method which is containing the code of functionality testing is invoked while doing this.

• Result:

In the third step, the result arrives. The comparison of expected and actual results should be done here. If verified, you are good to go. If not, the real error in the SUT should be detected and corrected.

Writing Unit Tests: 5 perks to write them good

Isolation of tests

As indicated by the name, every test case should be independent of the other. One can decide the sorting technique as it suits him/her but the clusters should be made and test cases should be defined separately as it helps the process.

If not happened in an above-mentioned way, the behavior of any case affects other cases. Don’t put in redundant assertions. The assertions should match with the certain behavior of the application and should be run in isolation.

This step should cover multiplication functionality assertions.

High Speed

The method doesn’t work if the tests are performed at a slow pace as they are designed to be performed multiple times to make sure all the errors are eliminated. If performed at a slow pace, the overall time of execution will increase.

Here,Using stream concept is a good idea. By using the stream concept, one can exponentially increase the speed of the whole execution process.

High Readability

Readability is always a necessary criterion for unit testing. A unit test should be clear and concise. It should precisely state the status of the test at any point in time.

One should quickly get what the test is trying to convey. Complex wording and use of difficult phrases is the last thing you need for writing test code. Readability should always be a priority while writing a test.

A proper name should be given to a given test case. Also, every small variable should be named properly. It should be logical and easy in wording. It should show the functionality and operation of the test.

Good Test Designs

Just because they are test designs, doesn’t mean that they should be given secondary preference. The test designs of unit tests should be drafted with the same intensity as the production tests. A good framework should be applied while doing this.

The coupling between production code and test code should be low. The dead code should be eliminated to increase efficiency. Memory should be carried and managed efficiently with time. The maintenance and re-factoring become smooth later if you have a good codebase.

High Reliability

The unit testing should be highly reliable and should be clear in what commands they are stating in the writeup.

Many a time, such scenarios are encountered by developers where the test fails even in the absence of any error/bug in the software. Sometimes, a certain unit case works fine when running individually but fails to deliver the expected outcome when integrated with the whole architecture.

This happens when there is a design flaw present in the system. Make sure the technical side of the process is strong and reliable.

Conclusion

These were the 5 tips from us to write and perform a good unit testing. By following these practices you will be able to execute the process of unit testing more finely. This will also help you in maintaining the code in the later part of the process.

Just by considering these 5 tricks, you will experience a radical shift in the execution time. It will ultimately lessen the cost of the process and thus giving out an optimum and efficient way to execute unit testing.

How can VTEST help

Here at VTEST, we focus on micromanagement as much as we do on the bigger things. Unit testing needs detailed knowledge as well as the attention of the testing team. Our team is filled with professionals in the testing field with expertise in both, Micro and Macro testing.

The testing team at VTEST is technically sound with a good managerial sense. VTEST it!

About VTEST

VTEST is an independent software testing company catering to product and service teams across the globe. We are a team of software testers who are passionate about quality and love to test. We develop an in-depth understanding of the applications under test and include software testing services strategies that deliver quantifiable results.

In short, we help in building incredible software.