Refactoring your code to avoid constructor logic execution can significantly reduce the need for Mockito's `reset` method in several ways:
1. Reduced Complexity: When constructors execute logic, they can lead to complex setup scenarios in tests. This complexity often necessitates the use of Mockito's `reset` to isolate specific behaviors or to ensure that previous test interactions do not interfere with subsequent tests. By moving logic out of constructors, you simplify the setup process, reducing the need for frequent resets.
2. Improved Test Isolation: Constructors that execute logic can make it difficult to isolate specific test scenarios. If a constructor calls methods that are mocked, these calls can interfere with the expected behavior of subsequent tests. By avoiding constructor logic, each test can start with a clean slate, reducing the need to reset mocks to ensure consistent test outcomes.
3. Enhanced Test Flexibility: When logic is encapsulated within methods rather than constructors, it becomes easier to test different scenarios without having to reset mocks. This approach allows for more flexible test design, where you can focus on testing specific methods or behaviors without worrying about unintended side effects from previous tests.
4. Better Code Design: Refactoring to avoid constructor logic often leads to better code design principles, such as the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) and Dependency Injection (DI). These principles promote cleaner, more modular code that is easier to test without relying heavily on mocking frameworks like Mockito. Cleaner code reduces the brittleness of tests, making them less prone to failures due to changes in implementation details.
5. Reduced Mock Brittleness: Mockito mocks can be brittle, especially when they are used to verify specific interactions that occur during constructor execution. By avoiding such logic, you reduce the dependency on mocks for verifying these interactions, making your tests less prone to breakage during refactoring.
Example of Refactoring
Consider a class `Bar` that has a constructor executing some logic:
java
public class Bar {
private final Service service;
public Bar(Service service) {
this.service = service;
service.doSomething(); // Logic execution in constructor
}
public void doOtherThing() {
service.doOtherThing();
}
}
To refactor this, you could create a factory method or an initializer method that performs the logic:
java
public class Bar {
private final Service service;
public Bar(Service service) {
this.service = service;
}
public void init() {
service.doSomething(); // Logic moved out of constructor
}
public void doOtherThing() {
service.doOtherThing();
}
}
In tests, you can then choose whether to call `init()` or not, depending on the scenario you want to test:
java
@Test
public void testDoOtherThingWithoutInit() {
Service mockService = Mockito.mock(Service.class);
Bar bar = new Bar(mockService);
bar.doOtherThing();
// Verify interactions without init logic
}
@Test
public void testDoOtherThingWithInit() {
Service mockService = Mockito.mock(Service.class);
Bar bar = new Bar(mockService);
bar.init();
bar.doOtherThing();
// Verify interactions with init logic
}
This approach allows for more controlled testing without needing to reset mocks frequently.
Citations:[1] https://www.lambdatest.com/automation-testing-advisor/selenium/methods/org.mockito.StateMaster.reset
[2] https://www.lambdatest.com/automation-testing-advisor/selenium/methods/org.mockito.Mockito.reset
[3] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32873928/effects-of-mockito-mocks-on-unit-tests-when-refactoring
[4] https://softwareengineering.stackexchange.com/questions/188299/is-this-an-appropriate-use-of-mockitos-reset-method
[5] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62181377/mockito-reset-call-count/66341871
[6] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7354538
[7] https://www.tutorialspoint.com/mockito/mockito_resetting_mock.htm
[8] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/18164123/how-to-clean-up-mocks-in-spring-tests-when-using-mockito
[9] https://www.reddit.com/r/ExperiencedDevs/comments/12je73u/do_you_guys_mock_everything_in_your_unit_tests/