In a Node.js application, there are several types of tests that can be written. Understanding the differences between these tests can help you determine which ones to use in different situations. Below are some of the most common types of tests:
Unit testing is the process of testing individual units or components of code in isolation. This is typically done by creating test cases that focus on specific functions or methods within a module or file. The purpose of unit testing is to identify and fix bugs in small, isolated pieces of code before they can cause larger problems in the application.
Integration testing is the process of testing how different pieces of code work together. This can involve testing how modules interact with each other, or how an application interacts with a database or external API. The purpose of integration testing is to identify issues that may arise when different parts of the application are combined.
End-to-end testing is the process of testing an entire application from start to finish. This includes testing the user interface, as well as the various backend components that make up the application. The purpose of E2E testing is to ensure that the application works as intended in a real-world scenario.
API testing is the process of testing the various APIs or endpoints that an application exposes. This can involve testing how the API responds to different inputs, as well as how it interacts with other parts of the application. The purpose of API testing is to ensure that the application's APIs are working as intended and can handle different types of requests.
Overall, each type of test serves a different purpose and helps ensure that your Node.js application is functioning as intended. By understanding the differences between these tests, you can choose which ones to use in different scenarios and create a more robust testing strategy.