What is unit testing in Node.js and why is it important?

What is unit testing in Node.js and why is it important?

Unit testing in Node.js involves testing individual components of your application to ensure they work as intended. It's important because it helps catch bugs early, improves code quality, and makes future changes easier.

How do I set up a unit testing framework in Node.js?

You can set up a unit testing framework in Node.js using libraries like Mocha, Jest, or Jasmine. For example, to use Jest, you can install it via npm and create test files with .test.js extension.

Can you show me a simple example of a unit test?

Sure! Here's a simple example using Jest:

function add(a, b) {
  return a + b;
}

module.exports = add;

// test file: add.test.js
const add = require('./add');

test('adds 1 + 2 to equal 3', () => {
  expect(add(1, 2)).toBe(3);
});

What are some best practices for writing unit tests?

Some best practices include writing tests that are independent, keeping them small and focused, naming them clearly, and running them frequently to catch issues early.