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WeAreDevelopers LIVE • Sep 14, 2023

Write tests you love, not hate

Jens Happe

Stop mapping test classes one-to-one with production code. Discover how entity builders and use-case testing transform fragile boilerplate into a lightning-fast engineering workflow.

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#1 about 5 min

Identifying common challenges in boilerplate test code

Analyzing a complex test method reveals how repetitive mock configurations create unreadable and exhausting code.

#2 about 6 min

How fragile and slow tests compound technical debt

Fragile tests that break on minor code movements discourage test creation and ultimately reduce development velocity.

#3 about 7 min

Improving test readability using structured behavior patterns

Applying the given-when-then pattern logically organizes test setup, execution, and verification phases for clear comprehension.

#4 about 5 min

Reducing fixture setup noise using fluent entity builders

Encapsulating default object attributes within a fluent builder pattern minimizes distractions and highlights relevant test state.

#5 about 4 min

Moving repetitive mock logic into reusable trainer classes

Extracting mocked object configuration into dedicated trainer classes isolates boilerplate away from core test files.

#6 about 6 min

Recognizing tight coupling as the root of fragile tests

Mapping test methods exactly to structural implementation classes forces tests to break during routine refactoring.

#7 about 7 min

Testing broad use cases to support internal code refactoring

Structuring tests around complete use cases rather than single classes allows architectures to evolve without breaking test coverage.

#8 about 4 min

Speeding up test execution by isolating external dependencies

Separating application logic from external layers like databases and web bindings prevents framework latency from slowing down test suites.

#9 about 5 min

Scaling automated testing practices across growing engineering teams

Adopting robust testing conventions gradually transforms codebases with minimal automation into high-performing and reliable systems.

#10 about 13 min

Addressing the costs of integration tests and helper methods

Balancing the architectural tradeoffs between integration tests and isolated unit testing ensures sustainable performance in large test suites.

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