The Hardest Part of Writing Tests is Getting Started

The hardest part of writing tests is setting things up. Full test suites have a lot of complicated helper tools, stubs, and fixtures. They’re not easy to understand as a beginner, let alone set up for yourself. This post covers the four things you can do to get started.

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Shopify
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Jack Reichert
•10 min read•advanced•
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Overview

The article discusses the challenges of starting to write tests in software development, emphasizing the importance of Test Driven Development (TDD) and providing practical steps for beginners. It highlights the benefits of writing tests as a form of documentation and ensuring code reliability.

What You'll Learn

1

How to write your first test and verify your test suite is functional

2

How to set up tests for isolated functions to avoid dependencies

3

How to use stubs to isolate functions and control test environments

4

How to implement End to End (E2E) tests for comprehensive coverage

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Basic understanding of testing concepts and practices

Key Questions Answered

Why is writing tests important in software development?
Writing tests is crucial because they serve as documentation of actual use cases, help prevent unintended changes in code behavior, and ensure that future code modifications do not introduce new bugs. They act as a contract for maintainers, confirming that features will function as intended.
What are the first steps to start writing tests?
The first steps include installing a test suite and writing a simple test to verify functionality. Next, focus on testing isolated functions that do not have dependencies, and gradually move to more complex setups like using stubs and E2E tests.
How can stubs improve the testing process?
Stubs allow developers to isolate and control elements of the environment during testing, enabling them to test their code without relying on external dependencies. This ensures that tests focus solely on the code being developed, avoiding complications from other libraries or services.
What is the significance of End to End (E2E) tests?
E2E tests are significant as they provide comprehensive coverage of the application by testing the entire flow from start to finish. They help ensure that all components of the system work together as expected, especially when preparing for production.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Start by writing a simple test to ensure your test suite is functioning correctly.
This initial step builds confidence and familiarity with the testing framework, allowing you to verify that your tests can both pass and fail as expected.
2
Focus on testing isolated functions first to avoid the complexity of dependencies.
Isolated tests are easier to manage and require less setup, making them a great starting point for beginners to build their testing skills.
3
Utilize stubs to control external dependencies and focus on your code.
Stubs help you isolate the code under test, preventing interference from external libraries or APIs, which is essential for maintaining test reliability.
4
Implement End to End (E2E) tests to ensure comprehensive coverage of your application.
E2E tests help catch integration issues and ensure that all parts of your application work together seamlessly, which is crucial before deploying to production.

Common Pitfalls

1
Many developers feel overwhelmed by the complexity of setting up a full test suite.
This often leads to avoidance of testing altogether. To mitigate this, start small with simple tests and gradually expand your testing framework as you become more comfortable.