Unit Testing and Mocking

This chapter is about unit testing and mocking, but it will start with an introduction to all the types of testing that a .NET developer should know about. We start with unit testing and mocking because these techniques target the smallest units of code – individual methods or functions. This granular focus makes them the natural foundation for any testing strategy. Unit tests verify that each part of the program works as intended in isolation, ensuring that small pieces of code function correctly on their own. Mocking complements this by allowing developers to simulate the behavior of complex dependencies, making unit tests more reliable and easier to write.

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the broader landscape of testing methodologies that underpin robust software development. Testing is not a monolithic concept but rather a spectrum of strategies, each addressing different aspects of a software application...