testing-anti-patterns

Test real behavior, not mock behavior. Avoid test-only methods and incomplete mocks.

• Never test mock behavior
• Never add test-only methods to production
• Never mock without understanding dependencies
• Mock complete data structures, not partial ones

• Test real component behavior, not mock existence
• Use test utilities for test-only cleanup
• Understand side effects before mocking
• Mock only what's necessary and at the right level
• Verify mock completeness against real API structure
• Stop if unsure about dependencies or test needs

1. 1.Ask: Am I testing real behavior or mock existence?
2. 2.If yes, test real behavior; if no, remove mock assertion
3. 3.Move test-only methods to test utilities
4. 4.Before mocking, understand side effects and dependencies
5. 5.Mirror real API response structure exactly in mocks