What are the benefits of using stubs and fakes in testing?

What are the benefits of using stubs and fakes in testing?

Stubs and fakes help isolate components, making tests faster and more reliable. They simulate dependencies without needing the actual implementations.

Can you give me an example of when to use a stub?

Sure! If you're testing a function that fetches data from an API, you can use a stub to return predefined data instead of making a real API call.

What about fakes? How do they differ from stubs?

Fakes are more complex; they have working implementations but are simplified versions of the real components. They can be used when you need some functionality but not the full system.

Are there any downsides to using stubs and fakes?

Yes, over-reliance on them can lead to tests that don't accurately reflect real-world scenarios, potentially hiding issues.

How can I decide when to use stubs versus fakes?

Consider the complexity of the component you're testing. Use stubs for simple responses and fakes when you need a more realistic behavior.