Unit Test Framework Manual

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Navigation: Overview of the Unit Test Framework

Why Use the Unit Test Framework

There are several reasons for the wide spread use of JUnit and similar frameworks:

•The framework is simple. The Unit Test Framework consists of only a few classes. Programmers can easily understand how to use the framework.

•The framework is powerful. Test cases are written in the programming language of the framework. Therefore, the programmer can develop extensive tests.

•The framework is free. It is easy to adopt.

•The framework supports test driven development (TDD). When using TDD, the programmer writes automated tests using the framework while implementing features of the system. As a system is developed, a suite of automated tests cases are also developed. (See [BECK2003])

•The framework supports automated regression testing. The test cases are ideal for performing regression testing. Many organizations employ continuous integration using test cases written with the framework. For example, Guidewire uses millions of automated regression tests in the development of their products.

•The framework supports testing similar to the Framework for Integrated Tests (FIT).

• When changes are required in existing code, programmers or testers can rapidly confirm that features have not been broken by rerunning the automated test.