#590 explanation for Arrange/Act/Assert

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Ilkka Seppälä 2020-08-07 19:10:50 +03:00
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## Also known as ## Also known as
Given/When/Then Given/When/Then
## Intent ## Intent
The Arrange/Act/Assert (AAA) is a pattern for organizing unit tests.
Arrange/Act/Assert (AAA) is a pattern for organizing unit tests.
It breaks tests down into three clear and distinct steps: It breaks tests down into three clear and distinct steps:
1. Arrange: Perform the setup and initialization required for the test. 1. Arrange: Perform the setup and initialization required for the test.
2. Act: Take action(s) required for the test. 2. Act: Take action(s) required for the test.
3. Assert: Verify the outcome(s) of the test. 3. Assert: Verify the outcome(s) of the test.
## Explanation
This pattern has several significant benefits. It creates a clear separation between a test's
setup, operations, and results. This structure makes the code easier to read and understand. If
you place the steps in order and format your code to separate them, you can scan a test and
quickly comprehend what it does.
It also enforces a certain degree of discipline when you write your tests. You have to think
clearly about the three steps your test will perform. It makes tests more natural to write at
the same time since you already have an outline.
Real world example
> We need to write comprehensive and clear unit test suite for a class.
In plain words
> Arrange/Act/Assert is a testing pattern that organizes tests into three clear steps for easy
> maintenance.
WikiWikiWeb says
> Arrange/Act/Assert is a pattern for arranging and formatting code in UnitTest methods.
**Programmatic Example**
Let's first introduce our `Cash` class to be unit tested.
```java
public class Cash {
private int amount;
Cash(int amount) {
this.amount = amount;
}
void plus(int addend) {
amount += addend;
}
boolean minus(int subtrahend) {
if (amount >= subtrahend) {
amount -= subtrahend;
return true;
} else {
return false;
}
}
int count() {
return amount;
}
}
```
Then we write our unit tests according to Arrange/Act/Assert pattern. Notice the clearly
separated steps for each unit test.
```java
public class CashAAATest {
@Test
public void testPlus() {
//Arrange
var cash = new Cash(3);
//Act
cash.plus(4);
//Assert
assertEquals(7, cash.count());
}
@Test
public void testMinus() {
//Arrange
var cash = new Cash(8);
//Act
var result = cash.minus(5);
//Assert
assertTrue(result);
assertEquals(3, cash.count());
}
@Test
public void testInsufficientMinus() {
//Arrange
var cash = new Cash(1);
//Act
var result = cash.minus(6);
//Assert
assertFalse(result);
assertEquals(1, cash.count());
}
@Test
public void testUpdate() {
//Arrange
var cash = new Cash(5);
//Act
cash.plus(6);
var result = cash.minus(3);
//Assert
assertTrue(result);
assertEquals(8, cash.count());
}
}
```
## Applicability ## Applicability
Use Arrange/Act/Assert pattern when Use Arrange/Act/Assert pattern when
* you need to structure your unit tests so they're easier to read, maintain, and enhance. * You need to structure your unit tests so that they're easier to read, maintain, and enhance.
## Credits ## Credits
* [Arrange, Act, Assert: What is AAA Testing?](https://blog.ncrunch.net/post/arrange-act-assert-aaa-testing.aspx) * [Arrange, Act, Assert: What is AAA Testing?](https://blog.ncrunch.net/post/arrange-act-assert-aaa-testing.aspx)
* [Bill Wake: 3A Arrange, Act, Assert](https://xp123.com/articles/3a-arrange-act-assert/) * [Bill Wake: 3A Arrange, Act, Assert](https://xp123.com/articles/3a-arrange-act-assert/)
* [Martin Fowler: GivenWhenThen](https://martinfowler.com/bliki/GivenWhenThen.html) * [Martin Fowler: GivenWhenThen](https://martinfowler.com/bliki/GivenWhenThen.html)
* [xUnit Test Patterns: Refactoring Test Code](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0131495054/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=javadesignpat-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0131495054&linkId=99701e8f4af2f7e8dd50d720c9b63dbf)
* [Unit Testing Principles, Practices, and Patterns](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617296279/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=javadesignpat-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1617296279&linkId=74c75cf22a63c3e4758ae08aa0a0cc35)
* [Test Driven Development: By Example](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321146530/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=javadesignpat-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0321146530&linkId=5c63a93d8c1175b84ca5087472ef0e05)