In a nutshell: Improving the user experience in your applications requires running numerous tests, which you can choose to automate to save time. This guide covers: What is a unit test?, What are the benefits of unit testing?, Getting started with testing during the development phase, and Quickly testing pieces of code.
Improving the user experience on your apps requires running numerous tests, which you can chooseto automate to save time.
But did you know that not all tests are created equal?
Some play a very specific role! This is particularly true for unit tests. These tests are primarily created by developers during the development phase (as early as possible, if possible, TTD) and help improve the UX by testing small, targeted portions of the search functionality.
A way to go into detail!
What is a unit test?
A unit test is a “white-box” test used to verify that a single section of code functions correctly by isolating it (module or unit). The goal is to ensure that a feature related to the coded instruction remains operational, even if new features are added by the development team.
This is actually the type of test that is closest to the source.
Unit testing is a well-known basic test used to quickly verify that a feature is… working. 😅 This type of test must be performed according to best practices to ensure it doesn’t fail.
Its effectiveness in identifying specific issues is well established.
Be careful not to misunderstand!
- The use of a unit test does not in any way guarantee that the website will be functional once the test is complete.
- In addition, unit tests should not cause you to neglect other types of tests, such as integration tests.
What are the benefits of unit testing?
Unit tests offer many benefits. Here is a list of them:
1. Start testing during the development phase
The main advantage of unit testing is that it allows you to test small segments of code during the development phase—in other words, even if the entire website or application has not yet been fully developed.
2. Quickly test code snippets
Unit tests are quick to set up — for a single test, expect execution times of just a few milliseconds for simple functions! — unlike other, more complex tests that require more time to develop and consume more system resources.
This is the case with UI tests, which take longer to run because they require a runtime environment (a browser for a web app). It is therefore best to wait until development is fully complete.
3. Continuously improve the code
Regularly testing your applications with unit tests helps you keep your code clean at all times, even when features are being changed. Ultimately, this saves time—it’s not just another chore!
Without unit testing, many unresolved issues would eventually resurface. Addressing them all at once after development is more tedious than tackling them iteratively.
4. Optimize the user experience indirectly
Improving the code ultimately means optimizing the user experience.
How does this play out in reality? By eliminating bugs and glitches that hinder users’ browsing experience, of course!
The 3 A's Rule: For a Successful Unit Test!
The 3 A's rule is more of a concept that can be summarized as three main steps to follow when writing unit tests:
- Arrange
- Act
- Assert
A for Arrange
This first step is when you'll get organized to best meet the needs that need to be addressed.
A for Act
This second step is a reporting step: it provides you with the results generated by the test, which will need to be analyzed.
A for Assert
The final phase is the decision-making phase. It therefore involves deciding whether or not the results are satisfactory.
- If so, the test is validated.
- If necessary, correct the detected error until it is completely resolved.
How should you respond to your unit test results?
Following a change in your code, a unit test may report a failure. There are two possible explanations for this:
- Either this is due tothe way the test waswritten, in which case it is urgent to rewrite it to meet your testing needs.
- Either the error is in the code, in which case it must be corrected.
What about test automation?
- First, it’s worth noting that automation helpsspeed up feature development; features can be tested more quickly. This saves you valuable time!
- Second, delegate the execution of your test cases to a code-free automation tool, such as a SaaS solution, is a major advantage if you don’t have IT staff within your company. Anyone from any department can participate in the project, even without any real technical skills.
- Finally, test automation using a software solution allows you to run numerous tests and manage your testing campaign entirely on your own, without the need for third-party assistance.
Key Takeaways from This Article
- A unit test allows you to verify a segment of source code in isolation. Although too few companies consider using them, they offer many advantages.
- Test automation enables continuous, enhanced monitoring of applications. This improves the user experience by detecting bugs in real time.
- Schedule an appointment with the expert, Mr Suricate to learn more about automating test campaigns.
FAQ
What is a unit test?
A unit test is a “white-box” test used to verify that a single section of code functions correctly by isolating it (module or unit). The goal is to ensure that a feature related to the coded instruction remains operational, even when new features are added by the development team.
What are the benefits of unit testing?
Unit tests offer many benefits. Here is a list of them:
How should you respond to your unit test results?
Following a change in your code, a unit test may report a failure. There are two possible explanations: Either the failure is due to the way the test itself is written, in which case you should rewrite it immediately to ensure it meets your testing requirements.