Learn Test-Driven Development on Android!
Writing apps is hard. Writing testable apps is even harder, but it doesn’t have to be. Reading and understanding all the official Google documentation on testing can be time-consuming — and confusing.
In this book, you’ll learn about Android test-driven development the quick and easy way: by following fun and easy-to-read tutorials. Learn to write sustainable, testable apps, as well as to apply testing strategies to legacy projects via Espresso and UI tests, code coverage and refactoring.
This book is for the intermediate Android developers who already know the basics of Android and Kotlin development but want to learn Android test-driven development.
Topics Covered in This Book
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Getting Started with Testing: Learn the core concepts involved in testing including what is a test, why should you test, what should you test and what you should not test.
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Test-Driven Development (TDD): Discover the Red-Green-Refactor steps and how to apply them.
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The Testing Pyramid: Learn about the different types of tests and how to organize them.
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Unit Tests: Learn how to start writing unit tests with TDD using JUnit and Mockito.
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Integration Tests: Writing tests with different subsystems is a must in today’s complex application world. Learn how to test with different subsystems including the persistence and network layers.
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Architecting for Testing: Explore how to architect your app for testing and why it matters.
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TDD on Legacy Projects: Take your TDD to the next level by learning how to apply it to existing legacy projects.
Before You Begin
This section tells you a few things you need to know before you get started, such as what you’ll need for hardware and software, where to find the project files for this book, and more.
What You Need
FreeAbout the Cover
FreeDedications
FreeAbout the Team
FreeSection I: Introduction to Test-Driven Development
This section introduces you to Android test-driven development (TDD). If testing or TDD are new concepts to you, we recommend starting here. You’ll learn everything from what a test is, why you should test, what you should test, and what you should not test.
You’ll then get your feet wet by writing your first Kotlin test, independent of the Android framework, with the principles of TDD. This section lays the foundation for TDD.
Introduction
FreeIf you're new to testing and want an overview of what this book covers, start with Chapter 1 for a gentle introduction to testing.
1What Is a Test?
FreeDo you know why you should test or what to test? In this chapter, "What is a Test?", you'll learn both of these and also dive into code coverage.
2What Is TDD?
FreeNow that you know what a test is, start writing your first tests! Not only will you start writing tests, but you'll also do so in a test-driven development way.
3Section II: Testing on a New Project
This section dives deep into the art of TDD. You’ll learn about the different types of tests that make up the testing pyramid and how to implement all of these different kinds of tests into an app.
You’ll learn how to write unit tests, integration tests, and using UI testing to verify your app works as expected end to end.
The Testing Pyramid
FreeIf you're wondering how UI tests, integration tests and unit tests all fit into one application, learn about the testing pyramid and how you can structure various types of tests for your app.
4Unit Tests
FreeGet your drink ready as you explore a cocktail app and write your unit tests in Android practicing test-driven development.
5The architecture of your project can make or break your testing experience. Learn the pros and cons of each architecture and how they affect your tests.
6Level up your testing knowledge leveraging Mockito as you learn the basics of how to use mocks and spies in your tests.
7Often, you'll need to test the interaction between objects in your application. In this chapter, you'll practice writing integration tests by working on a Wishlist app.
8Get started learning how to test the persistence layer in your app. In this chapter, you'll learn how to handle statefulness in your tests and strategies for creating randomized test data.
9While HTTP requests can be unpredictable, your tests don't have to be. In this chapter, learn how to write predictable network tests working on the Punchline app. Learn some random jokes on the way as well!
10UI tests allow you to test your app end-to-end without having to manually click-test your app. Learn the fundamentals of UI tests using the Espresso library.
11Section III: TDD on Legacy Projects
Now that you have an understanding of TDD and have different tools at your disposal, you’ll learn how to apply these techniques to projects that weren’t created using TDD and do not have sufficient test coverage. You’ll work through Furry Coding Companion Finder on your way to becoming a TDD guru.
Automated tests can help catch bugs in all applications, including legacy applications. Learn how to work around technical debt and apply testing techniques.
12Get started with the Coding Companion Finder app as you work through a legacy application and write UI tests using Espresso.
13Refactoring a legacy application doesn't have to be scary once you have some tests for it. Learn how to take small steps and move slowly as you keep your test suite green as you make changes to your app.
14Your tests are code too. In this chapter, you'll learn how to refactor both your app code and test code to make your tests reliable and maintainable.
15Learn multiple ways to handle test data in your Android tests by learning by tutorials. In this chapter, you'll explore a variety of ways of using test data in your tests.
16Explore what it means to have continuous integration for your tests and the tools you can use to achieve it. You'll learn the pros and cons of different CI strategies in this chapter.
17Set boundaries in your test and use strategies to help to interact with other libraries and parts of the Android framework.
18Appendix
Learn about other techniques that can complement your TDD process to make your team more collaborative and therefore effective.
AMeet the team
Who is this book for
This book is for the intermediate Android developers who already know the basics of Android and Kotlin development but want to learn Android Test-Driven Development.
Concepts covered in this book
Reviews
Version history
Second Edition · Android 11, Kotlin 1.5, Android Studio 4.2.1
First Edition · Android 10, Kotlin 1.3, AS 3.5
Android Test-Driven Development by Tutorials
A book that teaches you to write sustainable, testable apps, as well as to apply testing strategies to legacy projects via Espresso and UI tests, code coverage and refactoring.