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RubyConf 2016 - Test Doubles are Not To Be Mocked by Noel Rappin Test doubles (which you may know under the alias “mock objects”) are the most misunderstood and misused testing tools we've got. Starting with the fact that nobody can agree on what to call them. Contrary to what you may have heard, test doubles do not inherently lead to fragile tests. What they do is hold up a harsh mirror to the assumptions in our code. They are the light saber of testing tools: a more elegant weapon for a more civilized age. But be careful not to cut your code in half, so to speak. Herein: a guide to using test doubles without losing your sanity.
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In the talk "Test Doubles are Not To Be Mocked" presented by Noel Rappin at RubyConf 2016, the speaker explores the complexities surrounding the use of test doubles in software testing. Rappin emphasizes that test doubles, often referred to as mock objects, are commonly misunderstood and misused, and that their correct application can expose underlying assumptions in the code. Key points discussed in the video include: - **Ambivalence Toward Test Doubles**: Rappin shares his fluctuating views on test doubles, revealing a history of ambivalence due to inconsistent experiences. He notes that while test doubles can simplify certain scenarios, they can also complicate the testing process. - **SWIFT Framework for Testing**: The speaker introduces his acronym, SWIFT (Straightforward, Well-defined, Independent, Fast, Truthful), as criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of tests considering how test doubles impact test outcomes. - **State Tests vs. Spy Tests**: Rappin contrasts two testing approaches: a state-based test that relies on real objects and a spy-based test that uses test doubles to assert behavior. He discusses the implications of both on the clarity, independence, and speed of tests. - **Importance of Test Isolation**: The need for test isolation is highlighted as a crucial design goal, suggesting that tests should fail independently when a specific piece of code breaks, thereby simplifying debuggability. - **Integration of Test Doubles**: Rappin suggests that while using test doubles can lead to clearer tests, it requires careful design consideration to ensure tests remain reliable even when the code structure evolves. - **Real-World Challenges**: He acknowledges the challenges posed by third-party frameworks, such as Rails, which complicate the isolation of code and the use of test doubles, leading to a potential reliance on integration tests at the cost of unit tests. In conclusion, Rappin encourages developers to consider their approach to testing carefully. He advocates for maintaining a balance between using test doubles effectively and acknowledging their limitations in ensuring comprehensive test coverage. The ultimate goal is to use tests to create well-structured, maintainable code while avoiding the pitfalls that can arise from misuse of test doubles. The underlying message is to adopt a thoughtful approach to testing, focusing on what makes tests fail and the implications of that failure for overall code design.
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