What is Unit Testing : Advantages & Disadvantages

What is Unit Testing?

This is a type of testing which is done by software developers in which the smallest testable module of an application - such as functions, interfaces, or procedures - are tested to ascertain if they're fit to use.

The objective of unit testing is to split each portion of the source code and also check that each part works properly. This ought to mean that if any group of input is fed to function or procedure, it should return an expected output.

Advantages of unit testing:

1. Defects are observed at an early stage. As it is done by the dev group by testing individual pieces of code prior to integration, it assists in fixing the issues early on in source code without impacting other source codes.
2. It will help maintain the code. As it's accomplished by individual programmers, stress is being put on making the code interdependent, which then reduces the chances of impacting other sets of source code.
3.  It aids in cutting the cost of defect fixes because bugs are found early on in the growth cycle.
4.  It assists in simplifying the debugging process. Only the latest changes made from the code have to be debugged in case a test case fails while doing unit testing.

Disadvantages of Unit Testing

1. While there are benefits to unit testing, there are some disadvantages, too. Code testers will tell you there are a few problems with UT that have to be considered.
2. You usually have to compose one or more unit tests determined by how complex things are. While the test code should be rather easy, this testing method is still more work and more code which means more hours and more cost.
3. Unit tests are debatable when you have to check your user interface (UI). They are good for when you need to check business logic execution but not good for UI.
4. There is a circle of thought which unit tests are debatable to get a product's structural layout. They solidify the arrangement of code which means change can be problematic when required.

Conclusion

While there are strong proponents on each side of this UT problem, the middle ground says to use it within reason. Should you include a unit evaluation best practice program that creates limitations and guarantees worth and precision, it makes sense to use it to its entire potential.

Many will state that using unit tests prior to integration testing is great if it does not hijack the general process.

No matter what code you are testing, finding bugs and errors beforehand is helpful. If you are working with a fantastic QA group, covering your bases in UT should be efficient and useful if you know what to avoid.