Unit testing plays a crucial role in the software development process. The flaws in the code can be detected in the early stages of the software development process as unit testing is the first phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) process. There are specific techniques that can be further implemented to enhance the unit testing process. In this article, you will get to know the different types of unit testing.

What is unit testing?

It is a testing method wherein individual pieces of code known as "units" are tested. A unit can be a module, object, method or function. The testing of each source code section takes place so that issues can be detected and fixed. This testing method validates whether every unit of the code is performing as per the expected requirements. The code is also refined.

Applying unit testing:

It is a general practice in agile software development methodologies wherein incremental and small updates to the codebase are frequently delivered

It can be applied to any software, which includes desktop, mobile, web applications and backend services

Unit testing can also be applied in Extreme Programming (XP). Development of unit tests in extreme programming is done for Test-Driven Development (TDD) purposes.

Techniques of Unit testing:

1. White box testing: The internal behavior and structure of a software application is tested. This testing is performed by those engineers and developers who know the internal structure of the code and work on it. It is also known as glass, clear and transparent box testing.

2. Black box testing: The input/output parts and user interface are tested using this testing method. It focuses on the behavior of the software. The code's internal structure is not known to developers in this testing method.

3. Gray box testing: The code part and presentation layer of an application are tested. The code is tested from a user's perspective. The objective is to identify those issues that may result from improper structure or incorrect code. Pattern, regression and matrix testing are types of gray box testing.

4. Code coverage technique: The amount of the program source code that has been executed during testing is measured through this testing method. The testing process is provided with a proper platform to make sure that all parts are covered accordingly. Some of the code coverage techniques include finite, condition, statement and decision coverage techniques.

Unit testing best practices:

1. One use case at a time: One use case at a time needs to be tested for a focused and clear insight into where the errors are coming from

2. The significance of simplicity: The tests shouldn't be complicated. If the code being tested is complex, then there is a likelihood of bugs being found. If the app development code needs to be kept simple then the same aspect should be with the unit testing code. The cyclomatic complexity of the testing code should be kept at a low end.

3. The outcome of the code unit matters: If there is no dependency of the code unit on external influences then the test is considered to be performing at an optimal level Thus, the objective should be to reduce the test dependencies

4. Checking the reliability of tests: If the results of the test are changing without any code change then those types of tests are termed "non-deterministic tests." Thus, deterministic tests need to be written through which the same result is produced no matter the input (without any code change). For this to happen, it is advised to limit environmental values and external dependencies.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing unit testing then do get connected with a globally acclaimed software testing services company that will provide you with a well-defined testing solutions that is in line with your project specific requirements.