When should I use mocking in unit tests?

When should I use mocking in unit tests?

You should use mocking when you want to isolate the unit of work from its dependencies, especially if those dependencies are complex or slow.

Can you give me an example of when mocking is beneficial?

Sure! If you're testing a function that makes an API call, you can mock the API response to avoid hitting the actual endpoint.

Are there any downsides to using mocks?

Yes, overusing mocks can lead to tests that are too tightly coupled to the implementation, making them fragile.

How do I decide what to mock?

Focus on mocking external services, databases, or any code that introduces variability or side effects in your tests.