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You’ve Been Writing Unit Tests Wrong

Unbugging Your Code in C#

Alex Maher
6 min readAug 16, 2023

Ever found yourself confidently writing unit tests only to encounter a surprise bug later? Mastering unit testing in C# is both an art and a science.

Why Most Developers Misstep with Unit Tests

Let’s hit the brakes for a moment. Unit testing seems straightforward on the surface, but beneath that is a maze of misconceptions and missteps. So, why do many of us wander down the wrong path? 🤔

  1. The Essence of ‘Unit’: A recurring blunder is misinterpreting ‘Unit’ in Unit Testing. It’s crucial to remember: unit tests should zero in on the tiniest piece of software, usually just one method or function. The aim isn’t multitasking but mastering individual components.
  2. Overthinking the Process: Complex challenges? Sure, they often need intricate solutions. But when it comes to unit testing, less is more. If your test resembles a novel, it’s time for a rewrite.
  3. An Afterthought Affair: It’s alarmingly common to draft code and then retrofit tests. But that’s akin to building a skyscraper and pondering the foundation afterward.
  4. Grappling with Nuances: Each programming language dances to its own rhythm. While foundational testing principles span across languages, remember…

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Alex Maher
Alex Maher

Written by Alex Maher

.NET C# dev with 10+ yrs exp, self-taught & passionate web developer. Sharing tips & experiences in C# and web dev.

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