To effectively use Laravel's built-in testing features, you can follow these steps:
1. Use Laravel's Testing Framework: Laravel comes with a built-in testing framework called PHPUnit. This framework provides a set of tools and utilities for writing tests. You can use the `phpunit` command to run your tests.
2. Organize Your Tests: Place your tests in the `tests` directory. This directory contains two subdirectories: `Feature` and `Unit`. The `Feature` directory is used for feature tests, which test larger portions of your code. The `Unit` directory is used for unit tests, which test individual units of code.
3. Use Descriptive Test Names: Use descriptive names for your tests. This makes it easier to understand what each test is testing.
4. Use Laravel's Testing Utilities: Laravel provides a set of testing utilities that can be used to write tests. These utilities include the `RefreshDatabase` trait, which automatically migrates the database before each test and rolls back the changes after each test.
5. Use Assertions and Helpers: Laravel provides a wide range of assertion methods and helpers to simplify your tests. Use methods like `assertStatus()`, `assertRedirect()`, and `assertSee()` to verify the expected behavior of your application.
6. Mock External Dependencies: Use Laravel's mocking facilities to mock external dependencies such as API calls or database interactions. This ensures that your tests focus on the specific feature being tested, rather than relying on real-world dependencies.
7. Use the Arrange, Act, Assert (AAA) Pattern: Structure your tests using the AAA pattern: Arrange, Act, and Assert. Arrange sets up the necessary preconditions for the test, Act performs the actions or operations that you want to test, and Assert verifies that the expected results or behavior occurred.
8. Use Factories: Use factories in Laravel to generate fake data to use in tests. Factories make it easy to create test objects with realistic data and can help streamline the process of setting up test scenarios.
9. Use the `phpunit.xml` File: The `phpunit.xml` file is used to configure the testing environment. This file sets the environment variables and the database configuration for testing.
10. Run Your Tests: Use the `phpunit` command to run your tests. You can also use the `make:test` Artisan command to create new tests.
By following these steps, you can effectively use Laravel's built-in testing features to write robust and maintainable tests for your application.
Citations:[1] https://laravel-news.com/how-to-start-testing
[2] https://www.bacancytechnology.com/blog/feature-testing-in-laravel
[3] https://dev.to/tomatopotato27/best-practices-with-example-to-write-feature-test-in-laravel-1oga
[4] https://www.interserver.net/tips/kb/testing-your-laravel-applications-unit-tests-feature-tests-and-beyond/
[5] https://laravel.com/docs/6.x/testing