Test automation framework

As explained in ASP.NET Core in Action, 3e

A testing framework is a software framework that provides conventions, APIs, and execution support for automated tests.

A test automation framework supplies conventions, APIs, and execution support for automated tests. It lets you run a suite instead of manually checking each scenario, while keeping test code separate from application logic. section 35.0

A .NET test project combines several pieces:

• The .NET Test SDK identifies and supports test projects. section 35.2
• A framework such as xUnit, MSTest, or NUnit provides test conventions and assertion helpers. section 35.0 section 35.7
• A runner adapter connects the framework to Visual Studio Test Explorer or the dotnet test command. section 35.7

A small xUnit test

A [Fact] method follows Arrange, Act, Assert: create a CurrencyConverter, call ConvertToGbp with value 3 and rate 1.5, then use Assert.Equal to verify the expected result of 2. A [Theory] adds several [InlineData] sets, creating separate runs without duplicating the test method. section 35.5

Figure 35.1 The New Project dialog box in Visual Studio. Choose xUnit Test Project to create an xUnit project, or choose Unit Test Project to create an MSTest project.

Use the Visual Studio project dialog to create an xUnit test project; the equivalent CLI command is dotnet new xunit. section 35.2

Good tests verify observable behavior, including failure conditions. Assert.Throws checks that invalid input raises the expected exception type, while avoiding dependence on internal implementation details that could make tests brittle. section 35.6

How ASP.NET Core in Action, 3e covers it

How deep it goes

Explains project components, test attributes, assertions, parameterized runs, and exception checks, but defers ASP.NET Core integration testing.

Examples

Uses CurrencyConverter tests covering expected conversions, multiple InlineData cases, and zero-rate ArgumentException behavior.

What it assumes

Assumes basic C# and .NET project familiarity while introducing unit-test terminology, project structure, and assertion mechanics.

What you can do after

Build and run an xUnit test project, write Fact and Theory tests, assert results, and verify expected exceptions.

How it connects

Connects unit testing with xUnit, MSTest, NUnit, assertions, the .NET Test SDK, test runners, and integration testing.

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Also explained in

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  The Art of Unit Testing 3eA software framework that provides infrastructure and APIs for defining, running, and reporting tests.
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  Terraform in Depth: Infrastructure as Code with Terraform and OpenTofuA testing framework is a software system that provides conventions and utilities for creating, running, and evaluating automated tests.
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  Code Like a Pro in RustA testing framework is a software framework that provides reusable structure and support for defining, executing, and reporting tests.

Compare how 4 books explain test automation framework →

Related concepts

• Jestincludes · Jest is a JavaScript testing framework for defining, running, and asserting automated tests.
• Terratestincludes · Terratest is a Go library for testing infrastructure code and infrastructure deployments.
• testused by · A test is a procedure or check that evaluates behavior using specified inputs or evidence against expected results or criteria.
• assertionuses · A software assertion is an executable check of an expected condition or property that signals failure when the check does not hold.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of ASP.NET Core in Action, 3e. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.