Unit Testing: Advantages & Disadvantages

Unit testing is a functional testing method that those in the field have different opinions about.

Some think it’s necessary and useful while others don’t like to use it unless they really have to.

These two groups each have valid arguments as there are both advantages and disadvantages to unit testing. Knowing what is good and what is bad about unit testing helps you figure out whether or not you want to use it or at least understand in what capacity you might need it.

What is Unit Testing?

Unit Testing is one of the many stages of software testing and looks at single units, otherwise known as components, individually. This validates that each component of the software being tested works as it is designed to. Each unit is the smallest functional part of the software that can be tested and normally only has one input and one output.

Unit testing is done during the coding phase while the software or other product is being developed to make sure it is clear of bugs and ready before its release.

Advantages of Unit Testing

There are many in the QA field that thinks unit testing(UT) is extremely important. Whether you are using extreme programming, angular UT, or another framework for software development, UT should be part of it. Here are the reasons why:

1. Unit tests make it safer and easier to refactor the code by putting tests into a place that make sure refactoring occurs without problems and disruption. It takes the risk out of changing older source code.
2. Doing unit tests is essentially doing quality assurance of the code. It shows problems and bugs before the product has an integration test. Creating a testing process before the coding is completed solves issues and challenges creators to write better code.
3. UT helps find problems and resolve them before further testing so they won’t impact other bits of code. This includes bugs in a programmer’s execution and issues with a specification for the unit itself.
4. UT allows the refactoring of code and makes integration simpler. It finds changes and helps maintain and adjust code, reducing bugs and defects, and verifying the accuracy of each unit. It makes sure the later testing is easier once the integration process begins.
5. This type of testing maps a system and creates documentation. It helps me understand the unit’s interface.
6. UT makes the process of debugging easier.
7. UT forces better code and design whether you are using C#, Java, Python, JavaScript, or Php. It means you have a well-defined code with high cohesion.
8. Using a unit test and good unit testing tools means you reduce the overall cost of a project. Early bug detection means fewer late changes and easier to spot issues than if it is done at a later stage.

Disadvantages of Unit Testing

While there are advantages to unit testing, there are some disadvantages, too. Code testers will tell you there are some problems with UT that need to be considered.

1. With UT, you have to increase the amount of code that needs to be written. You usually have to write one or more unit tests depending on how complex things are. It is suggested to have at least three so you don’t just get a yes and a no that contradicts each other. While the test code should be fairly simple, this testing method is still more work and more code which means more hours and more cost.
2. Unit tests are problematic when you need to test your user interface (UI). They are good for when you need to test business logic implementation but not great for UI.
3. There is a school of thought that unit tests are problematic for a product’s structural design. They solidify the structure of code which means change can be problematic when needed.
4. In comparison to those who say UT improves code, others say it makes it worse and ends up adding indirection that is pointless. Changing code and adding new code can mean navigational issues and more time spent before integration testing is even started.
5. UT cannot and will not catch all errors in a program. There is no way it can test every execution path or find integration errors and full system issues.
6. Unit tests have to be realistic. You want the unit you’re testing to act as it will as part of the full system. If this doesn’t happen, the test value and accuracy are compromised.

Final Thoughts

While there are strong proponents on both sides of the UT issue, the middle ground says to use it within reason. If you incorporate a unit test best practice program that creates limits and assures value and accuracy, it makes sense to use it to its full potential.

Understanding the pitfalls of the testing ensures that you don’t compromise and get bogged down in UT that is unhelpful and time-consuming. Many will say that using unit tests before integration testing is good if it doesn’t hijack the overall process.

No matter what code you are testing, finding bugs and errors ahead of time is helpful. If you are working with a good QA team, covering your bases in UT should be efficient and helpful if you know what to avoid.

For more software testing insight, sign up for The QA Lead Newsletter. Reading other’s opinions and ideas can help streamline your process so you can pick and choose the best way to use UT for your project.

Originally published at https://theqalead.com on March 30, 2020.