What are the best practices for mocking in Java?

What are the best practices for mocking in Java?

When mocking in Java, it's important to use a mocking framework like Mockito. Key practices include keeping mocks simple, avoiding over-mocking, and ensuring that your tests are readable and maintainable.

Can you explain why over-mocking is a problem?

Over-mocking can lead to fragile tests that break easily with changes in the codebase. It can also make tests harder to understand, as they may not reflect the actual behavior of the system.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when mocking?

Common mistakes include mocking too many dependencies, not verifying interactions properly, and using mocks instead of real objects when it's unnecessary.

How do I choose between using mocks and stubs?

Use mocks when you need to verify interactions and behavior, while stubs are suitable for providing predefined responses without verification.