Object Simulation-based Testing Framework

A Object Simulation-based Testing Framework is a software testing framework designed for creating mock objects and fake services to support unit testing with simulated system behavior).

• AKA: Mocking Framework.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) be used to isolate the Code Under Test from external dependencies.
  • It can (typically) allow for the creation of custom responses and behavior for Mock Objects.
  • It can (typically) help verify if the code under test interacts correctly with the dependent objects or services.
  • It can (typically) be used to test exceptional scenarios without having to set up a complex environment.
  • It can be beneficial in situations where the real objects are either unavailable or too cumbersome to integrate into tests.
  • It can (often) be integrated with a Unit Testing Framework.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Mockito is a widely-used mocking framework in Java applications.
  • Moq is a popular mocking framework for .NET applications.
  • Sinon.js is used for mocking in JavaScript applications.
  • MockServer.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Integration Testing where real services are often tested instead of mocks.
  • A logging library, which does not simulate objects but rather handles logging tasks.
  • ...
• See: MockServer, Unit Testing, Test Double, Stubs.

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References

2020

• (LinkedIn, 2020) ⇒ https://linkedin.com/advice/0/what-benefits-drawbacks-using-mocking-framework
  • Quote: A mocking framework is a tool that allows you to create and control fake objects that mimic the behavior of real dependencies in your code. For example, if your class needs to access a database, a web service, or a file system, you can use a mocking framework to create a mock object that returns predefined data or verifies expected calls. A mocking framework usually provides a fluent and expressive syntax to define and configure your mocks, as well as to verify the interactions between your unit under test and the mocks.

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