On my previous post, I stated that I was introduced to JUnit. I stated its definition, and a vast list of its annotation uses.
Now I have moved past that and started applying that knowledge. Last class, my group and I were unit testing with JUnit 5. We ran and made tests in the Rectangle class. We also ran tests using Gradle, which makes testing easier.
On that note I was looking through an article that gave me more information on JUnit testing. It is called: JUnit Testing Framework – A Comprehensive Guide | HeadSpin. It retreads on known ground but gives step by step guides on how to access and download certain things. One thing I can commend it for is the detail in certain parts of the blog. It feels like a more advanced version of the previous one like, the previous one would be used for a quick Google search while this one would be used for a step-by-step guide.
It also introduces new information such as debugging. I personally know barely anything about debugging. I have seen it but I never really understood its function. I remember in freshman year I assumed that it would aid in fixing coding mistakes so I tried it. Unfortunately, it did not do anything.
Now, how does debugging work in JUnit? There are two modes: Java Debug Wire Protocol and Standard Streams. Java Debug Wire Protocol is the one that is more likely to be recommended. It can be used broadly and provides a lot of information from test execution. In Standard Streams everything that would usually go to the main console window would be printed to the standard output stream. Unfortunately, this provides less information than Java Debug Wire Protocall so is better fit for simple tests.
I also learned some troubleshooting techniques for Java applications. I learned that one way to troubleshoot is to use log files or profiles to gather information about the application. Also when there are issues with libraries or testing frameworks, it is good to check their documentation and forums.
Overall, I feel like the article should have described more about debugging in JUnit. I feel like I got a good understanding of Standard Stream, but I do not feel like I fully grasped Java Debug Wire Protocol. The definition provided was not enough. Maybe because the article assumed the reader knows debugging and/or used it. I am not sure. Nevertheless, It was nice to learn more about JUnit. I hope to use it again in the future.
From the blog CS@Worcester – My Journey through Comp Sci by Joanna Presume and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.
